This year’s Premier Grade features five teams and all games are being played on Wednesday nights only.
The Waikohu-Horouta match-up started “hard and fast”, Beale said.
“Both teams’ players drove strongly to the ball and worked together on defence to create turnovers, with the ball going up and down the court, often without scoring.”
Horouta led 10-9 at the first-quarter break, but Waikohu pulled ahead steadily in a more controlled second period to be up 26-19 at halftime.
“Waikohu’s attack - Marcia Beale, Princess Tomoana, Kassie Owen and Rylee Hoult - worked together very well and moved the ball at speed into the shooters, who moved the goal circle effectively, giving the feeders options.
“Princess and Marcia also had some very good shooter-to-shooter passes and finished off impressively – especially Marcia."
Waikohu won the third quarter convincingly to lead 40-35 and built on that advantage in the final 15 minutes.
“Horouta Gold had patches where they played well, but Waikohu pressured them into errors, at times, and were more consistent in capitalising on the turnovers,” Beale said.
“They built on their margin in each quarter and will be pleased with their start to the season.”
YMP came out of the blocks quickly, as opposed to a slow start by Whāngārā, and led 11-5 at the first break.
Whāngārā reduced the error rate in the second quarter and ate into the deficit to trail 19-16 at halftime.
YMP dominated the third quarter, combining powerfully in defence to pressure Whāngārā into errors, then scoring off the turnover.
They won the quarter 16-5 to be 35-21 in front going into what turned out to be an even last 15 minutes on the scoreboard (13-all).
“YMP’s attack moved the ball rapidly through the court and into their shooters,” Beale said.
“Wily shooter Paku-Jane Skudder positioned herself well and took some very good balls from her feeders. She was ably assisted by young shooter Te Huinga Karauria, who moved around the circle, helping to create those options and finishing off with some good shots.
“At the other end, GK [goal keep] Mihiterina Williams had a great game. She collected many intercepts and rebounds and also used her height well by positioning her arms over the ball carrier, helping to create turnovers.”
With no Saturday play for Premier teams, Premier Reserve players get their time in the YMCA in the new format of four 12-minute quarters.
“Looking at the grading games’ results, the teams appear evenly matched, so we are expecting close, competitive games.”
The other senior grades, along with secondary, intermediate and Year 5 and 6 grades, are in action at the Victoria Domain courts from 9am to 2.45pm.
Premier Reserve draw for Saturday at the YMCA
9am: Claydens Waikohu 2 v IMS HSOG.
10.15am: HSOG v Ngatapa Gisborne Glass.
11.30am: YMP Hine Taiohi v Old Girls Whāngārā.
