Top four decided

TOP-FOUR PLACES SECURED: Action from the Kathleen Henderson Memorial Tournament game between YMP and Waikohu in March. From left are YMP’s Paku-Jane Skudder (partly obscured) and Waikohu defenders Ruby Tuapawa and Anna Barbara. Both teams are in the top-four playoffs. File picture by Paul Rickard

NETBALL

YMP and Waikohu locked in their playoff positions in premier-grade netball at the YMCA last night.

They put in strong performances to win their games in the Pak’nSave competition.

The Claydens Waikohu 49-41 victory over Champers Horouta Gold secured fourth place on the points table for Waikohu and put an end to the slim chance that Ritana Senior A had of making the top four.

In the first match last night, Waikohu led 16-11 after 15 minutes, 27-21 at halftime and 38-32 at three-quartertime.

“They settled quickly, took the lead and were determined not to relinquish it,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

Horouta tried various changes but Waikohu kept their heads and worked together well, Beale said.

“For Waikohu, Jessica Ruru had a good game in the middle, making herself available and delivering some good ball in to the shooters, especially the high lob in to their goal shoot.

“Their defenders Stormy Merritt and Ruby Tuapawa worked together well and were supported by wing defence Anna Barber in making it difficult for the Horouta shooters.”

Waikohu coach Cheryl Te Rito said she was relieved at the end of last night’s game.

“I knew the girls could do it, but it doesn’t make it any easier sitting on the bench and watching them do it,” she said.

Toni Rutene played much of the game last night at goal attack.

“That is not her usual position, and she did really well,” Te Rito said.

“Now we can focus on top four, and whatever happens on Saturday against High School Old Girls doesn’t matter.

“We are in the top four, which is where we wanted to be.”

In the second match last night, YMP Sunshine Brewery extended their lead on the points table with a solid win against Taste One High School Old Girls.

The defending premiers won 48-36The defending premiers won 48-36.

HSOG jumped out to a 12-9 lead after 15 minutes, but YMP came back at them to lead 24-21 at halftime, and 36-29 at three-quartertime.

“This game started fast and furious and went goal for goal for the first eight minutes, until HSOG edged a couple of goals ahead,” Beale said.

“YMP’s defence stepped up a notch in the second quarter, and they pulled the three-goal deficit back and had taken the lead by halftime.”

Beale said there were some good battles within the game.

“Centres Ata Mangu for YMP and Katie Kirkpatrick for HSOG worked tirelessly for the full hour, driving down the court, being tight on defence, and snatching tips and intercepts.

“YMP goal defence Bronya McMenamin and HSOG goal attack Lisa Basford worked hard against each other.

“Lisa tried to work the goal circle and Bronya did her bit to stop the pass going in to the shooters.”

Beale said YMP seemed more settled after the second quarter.

“They were more patient in getting the ball through the court.

“High School Old Girls made changes, but could not stop YMP’s flow.”

In Saturday’s final matchs before the playoffs, YMP play Ritana, HSOG play Waikohu, and Whangara Old Girls play Gisborne Girls’ High School.

The points table now reads: YMP 41, Whangara 32, HSOG 30, Waikohu 26, Ritana 19, Girls’ High 13, Horouta 8.

* The second round of the new men’s netball league starts at 5.45pm tonight.

Big M start the ball rolling against The Joops. At 6.45pm, The Noogies take on BDPC, and at 7.45pm Uawa play LHS.