Ritana step up to defeat Whangara

STRONG DEFENCE: Lytton High School goal defence Georgia Teneti takes the ball under pressure from Ata Mangu, of YMP, in a game last year. Last night Teneti stopped a lot of ball going in to the Whangara shooters as Ritana won the game 54-46. File picture by Paul Rickard

NETBALL

Lytton High School premier-grade netballers last night pulled off their result of the season so far — an eight-goal victory over Whangara Old Girls at the YMCA.

Ritana Senior A led all the way to win the Pak’nSave competition match 54-46.

They jumped out to a 17-8 lead after 15 minutes, were still up 30-22 at halftime, and led 42-31 at three-quarter time.

“It was a little surprising to see Ritana take the win, but they played really well,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

“The students worked well and played as a team for the full hour, pressuring Whangara at every opportunity.”

Ritana coach Claire Campbell was thrilled with the result.

“Everybody stood up last night and played a lot better than they have played recently,” she said.

“They still have a lot more to give but the win last night was certainly encouraging, and a good start to Round 3.”

Beale said the work of Ritana on defence was influential in creating turnovers.

“Goal defenders Te Aria Henwood and Georgia Teneti worked well together and stopped a lot of ball going into the Whangara shooters.

“They both showed good awareness of the placement of the ball and secured tips, intercepts and rebounds.

“They were backed up by their other mid-court team members, making Whangara work for every pass.”

Beale said the students also showed patience in working the ball down to their shooters, Keasi Williams-Fonohema and Kiara Swannell.

“Keasi positioned herself well and her teammates were able to deliver the high ball into her, and she also collected some important rebounds.”

Beale said Whangara tried various changes, but could not pull back the deficit.

“Tania Hill at goal defence worked hard, collected tips and intercepts, and linked both ends.”

In the other match last night YMP Sunshine Brewery beat Champers Horouta Gold 58-31.

The quarter scores were 13-7, 31-14, 43-22.

“YMP have strong connections throughout the court and they drive on to the ball at speed. They were too strong for Horouta Gold tonight,” Beale said.

“The whole YMP team worked well together and the ball moved speedily through the court — usually straight down the middle.

“Bronya McMenamin at goal defence played well. She was out hunting the ball, secured many intercepts, worked tirelessly through the court and combined well with goal keep Raiha Campbell.”

Beale said shooter Paku-Jane Skudder worked the goal circle well and combined with the other shooter — Kelann Kemp in the first half and Jayda Banks in the second spell.”

Horouta tried various changes, but YMP made it difficult for them right through the game, she said.