Whangara profit from lesson of defeat

CONTESTED BALL: Whangara Old Girls’ Pourewa Sidney (left) and Robin Te Rito, of Waikohu, clash in netball action at the YMCA on Saturday.

Whangara Old Girls moved into third place on the premier-grade netball points table with a six-goal win at the YMCA on Saturday.

They had a hard-fought 49-43 victory over Claydens Waikohu (1).

The Pak'nSave competition match was close throughout as Waikohu surged back several times, but Whangara always managed to keep their noses in front.

Whangara led 12-7 at the end of the first quarter, 25-19 at halftime and 39-30 at the three-quarter mark.

Whangara played with a bit more control than Waikohu through the centre of the court, but it was tough defensively at both ends.

“We learned from our one-goal loss last weekend not to wait for umpires' calls that were not happening,” Whangara coach Ronnie Martin said.

“The girls just got on with it.

“Their ball movement through court was bang-on and so was the timing of their passes.”

Martin pointed to the strong performance of centre Melissa Mackey-Huriwai, and the work rate of Nardia Whaitiri-White at wing attack and goal attack, and to the leadership and play of captain Tania Adamson at goal defence.

Waikohu coach Sharni Wainohu said her side needed to play with more consistency and more energy.

When they did they looked much more threatening.

“It was a disappointing result for us, because the team have the potential to do much better,” Wainohu said.

She picked out goal attack Arahia Ruru as their best.

In the other YMCA match, F45 High School Old Girls overcame a spirited Tapuae 66-55, leading all the way — 18-2, 35-24 and 51-40.

The start was delayed because Tapuae had to wait for the road to reopen after a crash in the Wharerata Hills that morning.

HSOG started the game strongly and never looked like losing, but Tapuae made them work for it.

“We knew that Tapuae would be a really physical team and I felt it was a strong all-round performance by our team,” High School Old Girls skipper Alex Sinclair said.

She said goal shoot Marcia Beale was their standout player.

Tapuae coach Michelle Tahuri-Olsen was pleased with the performance of her team.

“Our progress has been slow, but we're actually overwhelmed, in a good way, to be up in this premier grade,” she said.

“The girls really enjoy the physicality of this level of netball.

“They are definitely enjoying the experience, and they're learning and growing as players.”

Premier-grade standings after Round 2: YMP Sunshine Brewery 28 points, HSOG 21, Whangara OG 20 (third on differential), Waikohu (1) 20, Horouta Gold 10 (fifth on differential), Gillies Electrical Gisborne Girls' High School Senior A 10, Tapuae 9, Waikohu (3) 3.

Other results — Premier Reserve: Farmlands Ngatapa 22 YMP Masters 32, Horouta Taimana 31 Ritana Snr A 24, Tatapouri Sportsfit 20 Crosscutters OG Whangara 23.

A Grade: YMP (2) 46 Waikohu (2) 29, Taiki 30 Pharmacy 53 Campion 33, FarmCare HSOG 25 McLeods Concrete HSOG 37.

A Reserve: Steve Craill Ngatapa 44 Tatapouri Sportsfit (2) 23, Whalis 25 GGHS Jnr A 23, NZHL Thistle Storm 30 GGHS Snr B 36.

First Grade: OBM Blue 37 Tyre General Ngatapa 31, Wahine Hauora HSOG 30 Gisborne Glass Ngatapa 20, Uawa Ngarangikahiwa 36 GGHS Korihi 16.

First Reserve: Zeafruit Ngatapa 41 Kotahi Aroha 14.

Second Grade: OBM Red Social 44 ALH Thistle Phoenix 19, YMP Manawanui 21 XLR8 21.

Secondary and intermediate grade — Secondary A winners: Uawa Hinematioro (won final 26-23). Runners-up: Te Waiu.

Secondary B winners: Te Taumata o Angitu (won final 37-20). Runners-up: GGHS Manaaki.

Intermediate A winners: YMP Tahi (won final 31-16). Runners-up: Eastland Vets Ngatapa Magic.

Intermediate B winners: Te Waiu (32 points). Runners-up: NUAM Hine Rikoriko.