Tough matches ahead at the ‘Y’

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A battle royal looms in the match of the round in premier grade netball tomorrow in the Gisborne YMCA when teams ranked three and four on the points table go head to head.

The Pak'nSave encounter between Whangara Old Girls and F45 High School Old Girls at 10.30am should draw a big crowd to the ‘Y'.

YMP Sunshine Brewery and Claydens Waikohu 1 share top spot on the points table on 20, then Whangara 15, HSOG 13, Horouta Gold 10-, Tapuae 9, Girls High 6 and Claydens Waikohu 3, on 3 points.

“It was a close win to Whangara last time they played High School Old Girls,” said netball commentator Sherrill Beale.

“Both those teams like to move the ball at speed, but also know their opposition well enough to stop their flow of the ball.

“There will be some good match-ups through the court and I am expecting a close, competitive game.

“Both teams will work together on attack and defence,” Beale said.

The 9am match between YMP and Tapuae should see YMP regain the top spot on the table on their own.

“YMP have been playing well,” Beale said.

Tapuae have recorded two wins and a bonus point loss since they moved into the premier grade and sit fifth on the table.

“Both teams like to move the ball at speed and work together on attack and defence.

“YMP have been extra slick this round so Tapuae will need to bring their top game for the full hour if they want to stop YMP's flow.

“I do expect another competitive game.”