Success for top and bottom teams

NETBALL

THE top and bottom of the premier-grade netball table had wins in midweek games at the YMCA last night.

Claydens Waikohu (3) led Gillies Electrical Gisborne Girls’ High School Senior A all the way in a 55-52 win.

Waikohu (3) were up 14-12 after the first quarter, 30-23 at halftime and 44-39 at the three-quarter mark.

“Both teams played well, worked the ball in to their shooters intelligently and had success delivering high lobs to their shooters, Sensamelia Hina for Waikohu and Kassie Owen for Girls’ High,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

“Waikohu (3) pushed the scoreline out at times but the students worked hard and pulled it back.

“Waikohu (3) will be happy to record their first win, and their points and the GGHS Snr A bonus point mean they are together on the bottom of the table as they complete Round 2.”

In the other match last night, YMP Sunshine Brewery defeated Horouta Gold 46-36.

YMP led all the way — 9-7, 25-15 and 34-26.

“It looked as if YMP would run away with this game as they outscored Horouta Gold 16-8 in the second quarter, and were leading by 10 at halftime,” Beale said.

However, Horouta Gold’s team effort on defence through the court made YMP work for every pass, she said.

Horouta made it hard for YMP to play their usual slick game.

“At times, both teams had speedy, passages of play and some impressive intercepts. Players delivered some good ball in to their shooters.”

YMP finished Round 2 of the competition on top of the table.