“The girls won their pool to make the top eight, then won their quarterfinal to make the semis.
“They lost their semifinal against Whanganui Girls’ High by only three goals.
“Then we played Wairoa College to decide third and fourth and we won that game 44-24.”
Martin picked out shooter Manaia Hutana for special praise.
“Manaia’s shooting was absolutely outstanding and she was rightly named in the B Grade tournament team.
“Midcourter Anatea Taituha was also outstanding and she, too, was named in the tournament team.”
Martin felt the whole team played well throughout the week.
“The way they built as a team through the season paid off and they peaked at just the right time for the tournament.
“The school, their parents, and I are all very proud of them.”
Gisborne Girls’ High School Senior A, who finished sixth in the Gisborne premier grade competition, were 31st in the A Grade of the Lower North Island tournament.
It was not enough to retain their place and they have been relegated to the B Grade for next year.
Campion College were 21st in the B Grade — the same position they filled in 2016.
“It’s great to see them retain their standing,” Gisborne Netball Centre manager Allisa Hall said.
“All three of our high school teams should be congratulated.”
