Third-quarter blitz for Claydens Waikohu (1) turns the tide

Smothering defence: Waikohu defence Ritihia Kingi and centre Jessica Ruru make it hard for Whangara Old Girls goal attack Nadia Whaitiri-White to receive a pass from teammate Reremoana Tamatea-Bartlett on Saturday. Waikohu won the game 64-34. Picture by Paul Rickard

A third-quarter “blitz” told the story for Waikohu (1) on Saturday when they demolished Whangara Old Girls by 30 goals in their premier grade netball clash at the YMCA.

Claydens Waikohu (1) outscored their opponents by 21 goals to 3 in the decisive third period of the game

In the end they won 64-34.

Whangara made the better start and five minutes into the game led 6-2.

However, a few minutes later Waikohu had brought the scoreline to 6-6 and then it was virtually goal for goal until halftime.

In the third quarter, Waikohu opened up the court with their attacks and moved the ball at speed in to their shooters. The whole team's confidence increased as the goals piled up, and they pulled ahead of Whangara.

In the last quarter, the Waikohu attackers were able to vary their passes in to shooter Arihia Tuhua; the high lob worked well.

She ran on to some slick passes along the baseline and also held her opposition high then popped out to collect the pass.

Waikohu defenders Humaria Higgins and Karen Matiaha performed strongly, especially in the last quarter.

There was a tight tussle between Waikohu goal attack Princess Tomoana and Whangara Old Girls goal defence, Torepe Taumaunu.

Tomoana worked tirelessly, trying to elude Taumaunu, receiving centre passes, deciding her best entry into the goal circle and directing where she wanted the pass.

Taumaunu also worked tirelessly, trying to stop the ball going into Tomoana through intercepts and tips, and linking with her attacking end.

It was a solid victory for Waikohu, and thoroughly deserved.

For Whangara it probably means another trip back to the drawing board for coach Ronnie Martin as she tries to get the best out of her new-look team.

Other results (** bonus point earned) —

Prem Reserve: East Coast Log Haulage HSOG 32 Old Girls Whangara 31**, JT Contractors Horouta Taimana 25 YMP Masters 17, Farmlands Ngatapa 31 YMP (2) 19.

A Grade: FarmCare HSOG def Enterprise Cars OBM Blue by default, Ritana Snr A 32 Claydens Waikohu (3) 21, Waikohu (2) 19 The Tav Sportsfit 25.

A Reserve: Pharmacy 53 Campion/NUAM 20 YMP Hine Taiohi 24, Steve Craill Ngatapa 31 GGHS Jnr A 23, Whalis 30 GGHS Snr B 13.

First Grade: Tyre General Ngatapa 22 Uawa Ngarangikahiwa 16, Zeafruit Ngatapa 32 Ferkins Farming HSOG 27, Zeafruit Ngatapa 37 Thistle Storm 14.

Game played at club midweek: Gisborne Glass Ngatapa 32 Zeafruit Ngatapa 21.

First Reserve: Tatapouri Sportsfit Social 28 Uawa Nui 13, JT Contractors Horouta Hiriwa 33 OBM Red 16, Tatapouri Sportsfit (2) 27 Wahine Hauora HSOG 9.

Second Grade: Waikohu (4) 31 XLR8 18, XLR8 31 Thistle Phoenix 6, YMP Manawanui 21 De Costa Ngatapa 19 **.

Secondary finals results — Sec A Grade: (1 v 2) GGHS Y9A 26 Uawa Hinetera 15, (3 v 4) Whatatutu 29 Ritana Y10 16.

Sec B Grade: (1 v 2) GGHS Raukura 17 GGHS Hinetu 14 , (3 v 4) GGHS Maia 30 Campion Gold 3.