Whangara-Waikohu game could be tight

At close quarters: Whangara Old Girls goal attack Nadia Taare gathers the ball under pressure from Horouta Gold goal defence Lucretia Taitapanui. Tomorrow Whangara play Waikohu and Horouta play YMP. Picture by Paul Rickard

PREMIER-grade netball has a predictable look about it tomorrow, although the game between Whangara Old Girls and Waikohu should be a good tussle.

The first of the PAK'nSAVE premier games begins at 11am at Victoria Domain with third on the table playing fifth.

“Whangara Old Girls and Claydens Waikohu (1) have both been playing some good netball, with the understanding between players developing well,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

Whangara are third on the points table on goal differential, and Waikohu are fifth.

“With a bit of luck, Waikohu could have been higher, because their last three losses were by fewer than five goals,” Beale said.

“The last encounter between these two teams was an even contest for the whole game, and Whangara won by five goals.

“I expect the same tussle tomorrow, with some good match-ups through the court.”

Waikohu coach Cheryl Te Rito said her team were slowly on the improve.

“The girls are getting themselves together.

“We've had some good games, and some not-so-good games.

“But we will give it everything we've got on Saturday against Whangara.

“Hopefully we'll have a full squad for the game. That has been an issue for us to this point of the season.”

At 12 midday, Taste One High School Old Girls play Ritana Senior A from Lytton High School.

“HSOG suffered their first loss of the competition last week and will be firing tomorrow, back to their speedy play and good connections,” Beale said.

“Ritana showed more confidence in each other last week and this will have increased because of their win.

“However, the students will need to continue their good play of last week and work together as a team for the full game.

“HSOG won't be doing them any favours.”

The final premier-grade match tomorrow, at 1pm, has table-toppers on goal differential YMP Sunshine Brewing up against Horouta Gold.

“YMP gave a strong performance last week to stop High School Old Girls' unbeaten run,” Beale said.

“They worked together throughout the court, putting pressure on the ball carriers and creating turnovers, and now sit at the top of the table.

“Horouta Gold will need their top game to take this one.”

Beale said the courts would be fully occupied from 9am.

“We have our full contingent of grades playing now and the courts will be busy from 9am till 3pm.”

Year 1 and 2 teams play on Thursdays from 3.45pm to 4.45pm, and Year 3 and 4 teams play on Fridays from 3.45 to 4.45.