Top-four squeeze

STEPPING UP: Waikohu wing attack Jessica Ruru gathers in the ball under pressure from Whangara Old Girls wing defence Zoey Briant in a top-four elimination semifinal last year. Ruru and midcourt partner Atlee Wainohu have stepped up in the absence of the injured Missy Ruru.

NETBALL

IT’S crunch time at the YMCA tomorrow night as one team tries to cement top spot in premier-grade netball’s top four, and two other teams vie for better positions.

A month ago the 7.30pm clash between YMP Sunshine Brewery and Taste One High School Old Girls would have been touted as a preview of the Pak’nSave competition’s grand final.

But Whangara Old Girls must now be considered serious title contenders after their win against YMP last Wednesday night.

And you can throw Ritana Senior A into the mix as slim outside chances for the top four.

YMP remain on top of the table on 37 points, Whangara are on 32, HSOG 30, Claydens Waikohu 22 and Ritana 19.

High School Old Girls will want to finish second; YMP will want to lock up top spot.

“This game will be very competitive,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

“It’s been a win apiece between these two teams this season, and the goal margin has been three and four goals.”

Both teams have two games to go ahead of the top-four semifinals.

“Their last outing was virtually goal for goal, so I am expecting the same on Wednesday night,” Beale said.

In the earlier match, at 6pm, Waikohu take on Champers Horouta Gold.

Horouta had players missing when they lost heavily to Ritana on Saturday. Tomorrow night they will be pumped to make up for it.

“Waikohu have had two wins against Horouta this season, but Horouta will take heart in that Waikohu join them in losing to Ritana this round,” Beale said.

“However, Waikohu know they are in a tenuous situation and could lose their top-four spot if Ritana can beat YMP on Saturday.

“So this win is very important to them.

“Horouta Gold will need their top game for the full hour.”

Waikohu coach Cheryl Te Rito said her girls knew what was at stake.

“They know how important it is to win tomorrow night and they are ready for it.”

She said the loss of midcourter Missy Ruru, out injured for the rest of the season, was a blow.

“But Jessica Ruru and Atlee Wainohu have stepped up and have been improving,” Te Rito said.

“I am sure the girls will step up to the plate tomorrow night.

“If we win, we are assured of the top-four playoffs.”