“They moved the ball well through the court and were tight on defence.
“But Tatapouri had other ideas and came out strongly in the second half.
“They pulled back the deficit and the last few minutes were virtually goal for goal.
“It was a very exciting final period.”
In the other match last night, Horouta Gold overpowered the other A Grade challengers, IMS High School Old Girls Masters.
It was tight early on in the hour-long match, with Horouta up 12-11, but by halftime they led 25-16 and then at three-quartertime, 38-24. They roared home to win 54-31.
“Horouta Gold kept the pressure on after a close first quarter and slowly pulled ahead,” Beale said.
The four teams swap over for the second round of challenge games on Saturday.
Claydens Waikohu (1) take on IMS HSOG Masters, and Horouta Gold play Tatapouri Sportsfit.
Both matches will start at 10.15am.
“Both games will be competitive as Waikohu (1) and Horouta Gold fight to maintain their position in premier grade,” Beale said.
All other senior grades have challenge games as well on Saturday.
“There will be 18 games in all,” Beale said.
“Once play is completed, the Gisborne Netball Centre board will meet, look at the results and decide where teams fit in the grades.
“On Saturday, we also welcome our school teams to the netball courts for their 2018 season.
“Our intermediate and secondary grades start their grading games, while the Mother Earth Future Ferns (Year 5 and 6) play in their new six-a-side competition.”
Tomorrow from 3.30pm to 4.45pm the “Mother Earth Future Ferns” Year 3 and 4 skills programme starts at the Victoria Domain courts.
