Whangara withstand late rally

UP FOR GRABS: Whangara Old Girls goal attack Nadia Taare (left) tries to intercept the ball before it reaches Horouta Gold wing attack Ngahuria Akania, as Whangara wing defence Bayleigh Harrison awaits developments in a game last year. Taare was outstanding at goal attack for Whangara against YMP last night, and was accurate in her shooting. File picture by Paul Rickard

HOROUTA Gold finished strongly against Whangara Old Girls in premier-grade netball in the YMCA on Saturday, but Whangara were deserving winners.

The competition leaders were up 19-11, 33-22 and 45-33 across the first three quarters and withstood Horouta’s late charge to win 57-51.

Horouta did well to outscore Whangara 18-12 in the final 15 minutes as they upped their tempo and produced a more accurate period of play than their opponents.

“It was a good result for us despite the score,” Horouta coach Charnelle Rutene said.

“I am really happy with the way the girls went in that final quarter.”

Rutene picked out Challise Rutene at goal attack for special mention.

“Challise was amazing out there this morning. She gave it everything.

“Forever Clay at goal keep played her first game back for us this round and also played really well.

“Our next two games are must-wins against Lytton and High School Old Girls, to ensure our spot in the playoffs, and today’s effort was good for us.”

Whangara coach Ronnie Martin said her side did not finish that well.

“They tried a few things that did not come off as well as they could have. Our play did not flow properly in the final 15 minutes as a result, but the girls will get better at those moves they tried.

“We are in preparation for the playoffs and you have to try out a few different things.

“I was certainly happy with the win. It was a good result and the team are where they need to be right now.”

Martin thought goal shoot Sandee Porter was exceptional.

“She shot well and moved well. Tania Hill and Bayleigh Harrison contributed well, too. Bayleigh grabbed some nice intercepts.”

In the other premier-grade match on Saturday, Lytton Senior A again went within a few goals of an upset win, this time against Farmlands Ngatapa.

The 47-43 final score to Ngatapa meant a deserved bonus point for the students but at 37-all with 11 minutes to play they could have won it.

Lytton trailed 14-9, 26-19 and 35-33 across the three previous quarters. In that third period they outscored Ngatapa 14-9.

Rushed attack and too many hopeful feeds into their in-form shooter Manaia Hutana cost the students, and Ngatapa were able to get back in front and stay there over the final 10 minutes.

“The girls had an opportunity to win this game,” Lytton coach Ronnie Martin said.

“Teenagers are unpredictable. They had a chance to win but did not take their chances.”

Goal keep Elenoa Seruwaqa was player of the day, she said.

“Manaia (Hutana) was outstanding, too.

“Her game is getting stronger and stronger. She put some nice shots away.”

Centre and wing defence Lauren Matenga-Huia also had a robust game.

Ngatapa co-coach Kate Faulks said the game could have gone either way.

“It got a bit close for comfort at times in the second half. Their shooter got some good ball and shot well.

“At the end we were smiling but I must say it is awesome to have the school girls in premiers playing so well.

“It’s so good for our premier netball.”

Faulks said that in the final stages of the match the older heads in the Ngatapa team made the difference.

“Dayna Green at wing attack was very effective for us, with her ball movement and feeding. She was our player of the day.”

Gisborne Girls’ High School Senior A withdrew from their match against YMP (1), and YMP were awarded the points.