Lytton go close to big upset

BIG EFFORT: Lytton goal defence Ruby Westrupp, here in action against YMP’s Te Awa Clendon (at back), played a big part in an outstanding team effort against Whangara Old Girls at the YMCA last night. Lytton came within four points of pulling off the upset of the season against title contenders Whangara. Picture by Paul Rickard

LYTTON Senior A went within four goals of the upset of the season against Whangara Old Girls in Gisborne premier-grade netball in the YMCA last night.

Top-of-the-table Whangara had to dig deep to beat them 56-53, but Lytton thoroughly deserved their bonus point.

The applause from the crowd at the final whistle said it all; so, too, did the group huddle at the end as the two teams formed a circle to celebrate a great game.

The students came out of the blocks strongly and surprised Whangara to lead at the end of the first quarter, 15-6.

But Whangara reasserted themselves to lead 25-23 at halftime.

The third quarter was tight, Whangara leading 40-39 at the end of it.

For the final 15 minutes, the students hung in there with real determination.

They pressured the Whangara possession relentlessly, with an intensity not seen from them before.

In the end, the experience of Whangara’s Tracey Babbington-Maynard and Nadia Taare in midcourt and the steady shooting of Sandy Porter made the difference.

A hugely satisfied Ronnie Martin, who coaches both teams together, said, “That was Lytton’s best game of the season.

“To compete like that against the team on top of the table is not easy.

“Those young girls are getting stronger with every game.

“I thought goal shoot Manaia Hutana was outstanding and her teammates are knowing more and more how to find her.”

Martin said midcourters Riata Maynard and Anatea Taituha, goal defence Ruby Westrupp and goal keep Elenoa Seruwaqa deserved special praise.

Whangara skipper Babbington-Maynard said Lytton were outstanding.

“We train together. They know us and we know them. They’re like our little sisters and we are really proud of them.

“Now they have that self-belief, they are stepping up as a team. Tonight they gave us a big fright.”

From her team, she picked out Tania Hill at goal defence — “she never has a bad game” — and goal keep Bayleigh Harrison for their contributions.

One of the Whangara supporters said afterwards, “What a crazy game. We played into their hands but, hey, I’m praising the students big time!”

In the other game last night, Claydens Waikohu were too strong for an injury-affected Farmlands Ngatapa at the shooting end, and won 50-34.

Waikohu started strong and led 12-8 after 15 minutes, 25-17 at halftime and 37-24 at three-quartertime.

“We are happy with the result tonight and we saw a better display from the girls,” Waikohu coach Cheryl Te Rito said.

“It took us a while to settle down but once we did, we played well at both ends.”

Ani Tiko at goal keep was one she picked out.

“Ani closed down a lot of space for their shooters and rebounded very well.

“Once they settled, our midcourt got their drive going and moved the ball through court a lot easier.

“Our shooter Ariz Ruru was our player of the day.”

Ngatapa co-coach Kate Faulks said her team started well, but some inconsistent play cost them.

“The girls are feeling a bit down. Our chances of making the top four have gone.”

Hannah Ormond was their player of the day.

“Well done, Waikohu. They had seamless lines down the court and scored very easily at times.”