Waikohu (3) run first team close

CLOSE CONTEST: Waikohu (3) wing attack Te Ohomauri Kingi catches the ball under pressure from Waikohu (1) goal defence Panache Hale in premier-grade netball at the YMCA on Saturday. Waikohu (1) had to work hard for a 58-55 win. Picture by Paul Rickard

The Waikohu (3) premier-grade netballers produced another outstanding performance on Saturday morning and again went close to knocking over their higher-ranked clubmates.

Claydens Waikohu (3) led for half of their game against Waikohu (1) in their Pak'nSave competition clash at the YMCA.

Waikohu (1) got in front eventually in the second half and won 58-55.

Last time they met, the top team won by two goals.

Waikohu (3) led 13-12 at the end of the first quarter and 32-28 at halftime, before Waikohu (1) managed to nudge their way ahead, 46-42, at three-quartertime.

“It could have gone either way,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

“Both teams started strongly, pressured the ball carriers and caused their opponents to make little errors.

“The scoreline was virtually goal for goal for most of the game.

“Both teams had the chance to pull away but the other team would pull them back.”

Waikohu (1) started the third quarter strongly and a few minutes in they had outscored Team 3 by nine goals.

“The fourth quarter was a nailbiter and Waikohu (1) were very happy to take the three-goal win,” Beale said.

“The top team's attackers, Marie Ruru and Jessica Rutene-Ruru, had good games and fed some great balls into their shooters from the circle edge.

“Waikohu (3) shooters Sensamelia Hina and Princess Tomoana combined well and moved in the goal circle intelligently to give their feeders options.”

In the other premier-grade game, F45 High School Old Girls were too good for Wairoa team Tapuae, winning 55-38.

It was a dominant performance by HSOG, as the quarter scores show — 12-9, 31-15 and 44-29.

“Both teams made a speedy start and it was virtually goal for goal early on,” Beale said.

“In the second 15-minute period, HSOG continued their speedy movement and passes, but also applied more pressure.

“Tapuae had to work harder to get the ball in to their shooters and little errors started to creep in as they passed the ball back to the transverse line.”

High School Old Girls defenders Kelly Wood, Alex Sinclair and Ana Naden played a big part in creating turnovers and all three made some good intercepts, Beale said.

“Tapuae captain and goal defence Wreyon McCormack-Wesche led her team by example.

“She was out hunting the ball and collected many tips, intercepts and rebounds, but also linked both ends by being available for extra passes when the pressure was applied to the Tapuae ball carrier.”

Horouta Taimana 36 YMP Masters 24, Ritana Snr A 23 Crosscutters OG Whangara 21, Tatapouri Sportsfit 23 Farmlands Ngatapa 23.

McLeods Concrete HSOG 32 Pharmacy 53 Campion Snr A 26, YMP (2) defeated Taiki by default, FarmCare HSOG 34 Waikohu (2) 25.

Whalis 43 NZHL Thistle Storm 23, GGHS Jnr A def Tatapouri Sportsfit (2) by default, Steve Craill Builders Ngatapa 26 GGHS Snr B 22.

Gisborne Glass Ngatapa 45 GGHS Korihi 17, Wahine Hauora HSOG 33 Tyre General Ngatapa 9, OBM Blue 31 Uawa Ngarangikahiwa 22.

Zeafruit Ngatapa 23 Tatapouri Sportsfit Social 22, Waikohu (4) 25 Uawa Kahukuraiti 13.

YMP Manawanui 55 GGHS TSA 2, XLR8 34 ALH Thistle Phoenix 19.