When given the chance, GGHS Snr A showed their links were developing, but they had to contend with a strong Waikohu (1) team defence, who pressured them into errors.
It was a good team performance by Waikohu (1) and they finished the round in second position.
In the other match, YMP (1) took an early lead too, up 10-5 after 10 minutes, then 23-11 at halftime and 31-18 at three-quartertime.
Both teams were tight on defence and made the attackers work for the ball.
However, in the first half, YMP (1) were more consistent in capitalising on errors and steadily pulled ahead, to be leading by 12 goals at halftime.
Their players were working well together and creating opportunities for the ball to move speedily down the court.
In the second half, JT Contractors Horouta Gold were more patient in working the ball through to their shooters, eliminated some of the errors and kept the scoreline more competitive.
It was another good team performance by YMP (1), who remained unbeaten and finished the round at the top of the grade.
“One of our goals was to have a good seeding after grading and we've achieved that,” YMP coach Ingrid Brown said.
“We're making good connections both on and off court, and I'm really happy with how the team's going.
“It's a happy camp.”
Brown said it would be interesting to see what difference the additional five minutes of play per quarter made once the second round started.
“We're looking forward to the start of it.”
The “challenge” games will be played this week.
The Premier Challenge games on Wednesday night in the YMCA will be hour-long games.
At 6pm GGHS Snr A play JT Contractors Horouta Taimana and at 7.30pm JT Contractors Horouta Gold meet YMP Masters.
The other two premier challenge games and the other grade challenge matches will be played on Saturday at the Victoria Domain courts.
