Incentive for Waikohu is outright third place

CRUNCH TIME: YMP will look to extend their lead in the premier-grade netball competition at the YMCA tomorrow morning but their opponents Waikohu (1) have a lot to play for, too. YMP goal-scoring machine Paku-Jane Skudder (left) reaches for possession under the hoop from Karyn Matahia of Waikohu. Picture by Paul Rickard

NETBALL

WAIKOHU (1) have plenty to play for when they take on competition leaders YMP at the YMCA tomorrow.

A win or a bonus-point loss would see them move into outright third place on the table.

Heading into the two games tomorrow, YMP Sunshine Brewery lead the Pak’nSave premiership with 36 points.

They are followed by F45 High School Old Girls on 29, and Claydens Waikohu (1) and Whangara Old Girls tied on 28.

From there the table goes back to Horouta Gold and Gillies Electrical Gisborne Girls’ High School on 10, Tapuae on 9 and Claydens Waikohu (3) on 4.

The fixture between YMP and Waikohu (1) starts at 9am.

“YMP Sunshine Brewery are looking strong,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

“They have been playing slick, speedy netball and had a comprehensive win against Waikohu (1) last time they met.

“Waikohu (1) have been a little up and down in the last round, but they will need to bring their top game for this one, with the whole team working together for the full hour,” Beale said.

Both teams have had two wins in this round of pool play.

At 10.30am tomorrow Girls’ High play Tapuae, and the fifth spot on the table beckons for both teams ahead of the playoffs.

“It was a close game when these two teams last met, when the students slipped through by three goals,” Beale said.

“I am expecting a similar close contest tomorrow.”

The other senior grades will be playing over at the courts from 9am to 1pm.