Strong win for YMP

WATCH OUT BEHIND: YMP (1) midcourter Raipoia Kawhia reaches for the ball under pressure from Gisborne Girls’ High Senior A player Cherie Parsons in a premier netball game at the YMCA on Saturday. YMP continued their unbeaten run this season with a 66-39 win. Picture by Paul Rickard

A CLINICAL YMP overcame a messy start to put away Gisborne Girls’ High Senior A 66-39 in the only Pak’nSave Gisborne premier netball game on Saturday.

The students were unable to back up their impressive midweek 44-42 win against IMS High School Old Girls, while YMP continued their perfect run as they look to retain the premier title. Strong defence saw YMP dominate possession in the first quarter as GGHS faltered under pressure in the circle.

Messy play from both sides limited shooting opportunities but YMP still managed to clear away and finish the quarter up 19-9. Errors from each team continued early in the second quarter. It took two and a half minutes for the first goal to be scored but as the quarter progressed, YMP found their flow. They tightened up defence, forcing mistakes from the students and by halftime led 33-19.

In the third quarter, the reigning champions showed spectators why they are the team to beat. Clean and clinical centre-court-to-circle delivery saw them increase their lead to 19 heading into the last quarter. Goal attack Princess Tomoana was particularly impressive, linking strongly with her mid-court team-mates to gain ascendancy in the circle.

Despite intense pressure, the GGHS shooters had their moments, highlighted by some impressive long-distance goals from Jordyn Broughton.

Injuries during the third and fourth quarters forced YMP to trial new defensive combinations. But this did not disrupt the flow, and they continued to dominate to finish with a comprehensive 27-goal win.

GGHS coach Elaine Lamont was disappointed with her team’s effort, particularly after their mid-week display.

“They didn’t play very well, they lacked motivation and weren’t as fired-up as Wednesday night.”

Despite racking up yet another win, YMP coach Irene Takao was eager to see the team make more improvements.

“They had some really great moments of play. I’m really pleased with their development but I want to see a perfect match one of these days,” she said.

Takao was particularly happy with their work in the attacking third of the court.

“They did well in splitting and opening up the defence — giving clearer options in the goal circle.”

YMP (32 points) extended their lead over second-placed Whangara to 10 points. Only seven points separate the second-to-sixth-placed teams so points are at a premiuim in the race for the top four.