Premier sides too good for A-graders

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

PREMIER graders Gisborne Girls’ High Senior A and Farmlands Ngatapa proved too strong for their challenge round opponents last night at the YMCA.

Girls’ High defeated Taiki 49-27 and Ngatapa beat Whalis 61-43.

These were the first of the challenge matches between the bottom two premier teams and top two A-grade sides after round 1 of senior club netball was completed last weekend.

“The students started their game very strongly and played cohesively, with some strong shooting and fantastic through-court play,” said Gisborne Netball Centre manager Allisa Hall.

Girls’ High led 12-5 at the first-quarter break, were up 22-14 at halftime, then 37-19 at three-quarter time.

“There were some great defensive efforts from Taiki during the game, particularly in the defensive goal end, but a lot of turnover opportunities were not capitalised on in their own goal circle.”

In the other game, only a single goal separated Ngatapa and Whalis after the first quarter.

“Whalis got off to a really strong start and took an early lead before Ngatapa found their stride and pulled it back late in the first quarter to go to the break with a one goal lead (14-13).

“The second quarter was goal-for-goal for the first part,with Ngatapa again breaking away in the latter stages to lead 30-23 at halftime.

Ngatapa took control with a “blistering” third quarter, winning it 18-7 for a 48-30 lead.

“Despite a few injuries to players in the Whalis team, they continued a valiant effort and tied the fourth quarter, but the damage was already done,” said Hall.

The teams crossover for the full round of senior challenge games on Saturday. Girls’ High play Whalis and Ngatapa meet Taiki.

The composition of all grades will then be decided.