Top-of-table games too close to call

AERIAL TAKE: High School Old Girls wing attack Courtney Stubbins jumps to take the ball in front of Whangara wing defence Zoey Bryant. Whangara won a hard-fought, entertaining match 33-28 last Saturday. Picture by Paul Rickard

Whangara Old Girls should retain top spot on the premier grade netball table tomorrow but top-of-the-table clashes in three of the other grades are too close to call.

The Level 2 restrictions still apply so primary and senior grades will be at Victoria Domain and the intermediate and secondary grades play again at Gisborne Girls' High School.

Whangara sit atop the table on 40 points, four clear of YMP Sunshine Brewery on 36. Taste One High School Old Girls are on 32.

It will be the upset of the season if Horouta Gold can get up over Whangara in their game at 10am tomorrow.

If they get the four points for a win, Whangara will have the top spot for next week's playoffs.

“Whangara have shown improvement since the beginning of the season and their players are working well together,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

“Horouta will need their players to work together for the full game if they want to take this one.”

If Whangara win, the result of the 12 midday clash between YMP and HSOG will not change the shape of the playoffs.

They will play each other again next weekend, two versus three, to decide one of the grand finalists.

Whangara will play either Claydens Waikohu or Girls' High Senior A for the other final spot.

But the match between YMP and HSOG tomorrow will still have a lot on it.

Both teams will want momentum going into their playoff game.

“It was a good win to YMP last time they met HSOG, but I am expecting tomorrow's contest to be closer,” Beale said.

“HSOG had a strong game against Whangara last week, in a hard-fought match.

“Both teams like to play hard, fast netball and their players work together on defence to pressure the opposition.

“There will be some good match-ups, in all areas of the court.”

The 11am match between Gisborne Girls' High School Senior A and Ritana Senior A gives both teams a chance to finish their season strongly.

“The clash of the schools is always a good match,” Beale said.

“Girls' High had a close win when they last met.

“Both teams have been playing some good netball and their understanding between teammates has improved.

“Last time both teams' circle defenders had strong games and I am expecting a similar situation tomorrow.

“It will come down to who is more patient in working the ball into the shooters.

“I think this will be another close game.”

In the final premier match, Girls' High play Claydens Waikohu.

“Girls' High won last time in a close game but this time there could also be the pressure of making fourth spot.

“Waikohu are eight points ahead of the students, but if Girls' High beat Ritana tomorrow, then a win in this game would put them on the same points as Waikohu,” Beale said.

“Waikohu have been steadily improving and their connections have been working well.

“They won't be making it easy for Girls' High, so the students will need to stick to their own game-plan.”

Beale said the top-of-the-table clashes tomorrow would be Claydens Waikohu Masters playing IMS HSOG Masters in the A Grade, Tapuae playing Farmlands Ngatapa in A Reserve, and GGHS Jnr A playing OBM Blue in First Grade.