Netball WOG v YMP - Zoey Bryant, Danielle Moeke-Ferris
A BATTLE royal can be expected at Victoria Domain tomorrow when Whangara Old Girls and YMP go head to head to decide the premier-grade netball championship.
The return to Covid Alert Level 1 means the match can be played before a full crowd of spectators.
“These two teams have been in a finals situation many times together,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.
“They have faced each other six times in the past 15 years, with three wins apiece, and most of the games have been very close.”
In 2008 YMP won by one goal in extra time, in 2009 Whangara won by six goals, in 2013 Whangara won by three, in 2015 YMP won by 16, in 2016 Whangara won by two and in 2017 YMP won by five.
“Some of the players in both teams played in their last final encounter in 2017, so they will have a very good idea of each other's netball skills and the pressure of finals netball,” Beale said.
This season Whangara Old Girls have had two wins against YMP Sunshine Brewery.
“But this is now the final, so there will be intense pressure, not only on the court, but also in the players' heads.
“YMP were not in the final last year and Whangara were runners-up to Taste One High School Old Girls OG, so all players will want their team named Pak'nSave 2020 champions.
“This will be a close, competitive contest with some very good match-ups through the court,” Beale said.
She points to the contest between steady Whangara shooter Sandee Porter and tall YMP defender Keasi Williams-Fonohema, and at the other end between speedy Whangara attacker Nadia Taare and dogged YMP defender Bronya McMenamin.
The intensity continues in the centre between Melissa Mackey-Huriwai (Whangara) and Ata Mangu (YMP).
“Both of these women are speedy and strong on defence, and they link both ends very well,” Beale said.
Whangara goal keep Nadia Hohipa will have to contain YMP goal shoot and director of play Paku-Jane Skudder.
“Nadia has stopped many high lobs into the goal circle, so Paku-Jane will need to mix it up.
“Both teams have supporting players on the bench. YMP didn't make any changes last week, while Whangara made changes at each quarter.
“The two semifinals last week were very close and we are all looking forward to the grand final of our Covid-restricted season.”
Whangara coach Ronnie Martin said she felt her players were in a good place for the final.
“They are ready to play this game,” she said.
“It all comes down to how they perform on the day. I hope they'll all turn up bright and sparky and ready to go.
“It doesn't mean a thing that we've beaten them twice this season. You don't take for granted what you've done.
“The team have to make sure they do it on finals day, when it counts.”
YMP coach Ingrid Brown said in this year of disruption and uncertainty, her players were really excited that they could play in front of their whanau.
“We also appreciate the live-streaming of the game from Turanga FM Media,” she said.
“As always, we are expecting a tough battle against Whangara.
“It comes down to having faith that we will do well and we just need to believe in each other's strengths and combine those elements as a unit.
“We have leaders and mentors in our young squad. They need to bring that synergy, grind and be hungry for everything until the final whistle. Kia Kaha Kia Toa Kia Manawanui.”
The PAK'nSAVE premier-grade final starts at 1.15pm.
In the other grade finals tomorrow, Claydens Waikohu Masters play IMS High School Old Girls Masters at 12 midday in the A Grade.
In the First Grade final, Gisborne Girls' High School will be up against Steve Craill Builder Ngatapa, and in A Reserve it will be Tapuae against Farmlands Ngatapa.
Prize-giving will be held after the last round finishes, around 2.10pm.