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NETBALL
HIGH School Old Girls made a major statement in the Pak’nSave netball competition at the YMCA last night when they outplayed and outlasted Whangara Old Girls to win an enthralling match.
Taste One HSOG led throughout and finished the stronger.
They must now be considered as serious contenders for the premier title.
It was 13-12 to them at the end of 15 minutes, 30-25 at halftime, 45-40 at three-quartertime and 58-48 at fulltime.
“It was a close game until HSOG pulled away in the last quarter,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.
“HSOG played determined netball and worked as a team on attack and on defence. They pressured Whangara into making errors.
“When they had the ball in their hands it sped through the court and into their shooters Ashleigh Brown, Natalie Knight and Lisa Basford.
“Lisa also worked tirelessly around the court, collecting passes, moving the goal circle and finishing off with goals.”
Alex Sinclair, who played at goal keep and goal defence, had a very good game.
“She combined well with goal defence Kelly Swann-Ferris and stopped many balls going into Whangara shooters Sandy Porter and Nadia Taare.
“Alex was a danger, out hunting the ball, and securing many tips, intercepts and rebounds.”
Beale said Courtney Stubbins at wing attack and Saffron Eparaima at wing defence and centre had good games.
“They were always available and quick to the loose ball, and then formed the link between defence and attack.”
She said Whangara had their chances, but frittered them away at times.
“They tried several changes, but the team weren’t able to pull back the few goals required to take the lead.”
HSOG coach Tanya Owen said she was pleased with the win: “It was what we wanted.
“The girls stuck to the game plan and did not let the physicality of the contest get to them. They showed composure in what was a physical game.”
Whangara co-coach Tracey Babbington-Maynard said HSOG were outstanding.
“They played as a team the whole game. All credit to them for their win.”
She declined to comment on her own team’s performance.
In the other match last night, YMP Sunshine Brewery overpowered Lytton senior A 64-33.
YMP’s speed through court and their ball control were beautiful to watch, and they were able to control most of the game very well.
At the end of the first three quarters they led 11-9, 32-15 and 48-20.
Babbington-Maynard also looked after the students last night.
“Once YMP got a roll on, the girls lost their intensity. They picked their play up a bit in the final quarter.”
She picked out Ruby Westrupp at wing defence, goal defence and centre as their best.
“Ruby was exceptional. She never gave up and grabbed lots of intercepts.”
YMP team manager Kelly-Ann Kemp said their midcourt was busy again and most of the time the team stuck to their game plan well.
“Bronya McMenamin played both ends of the court and played well, and our goal keep Raiha Campbell played well against Lytton’s very good shooter Manaia Hutana.”
Hine Hubbard and Ata Mangu were also standouts in midcourt for YMP.