Beale said Ritana had flashes of good ball movement through the court.
“At times they did manage to stop YMP’s flow,” she said.
“However, YMP’s speedy play was on display in the last quarter. They outplayed the students 17-6 in the final 15 minutes.”
She picked out YMP goal circle defenders Raiha Campbell and Bronya McMenamin for mention.
“Those two worked together well and collected many intercepts.
“They pressured Ritana’s shooters, Keasi Williams-Fonohema and Reremoana Bartlett-Tamatea at every opportunity.”
Beale said YMP wing attack Renee Wikaire also had a strong game.
“Renee received the centre pass, drove into the goal circle and delivered some great passes into YMP shooters Paku-Jane Skudder and Kelann Kemp.”
Ritana coach Claire Campbell said her girls “played like schoolgirls and YMP played like a premier grade netball team”.
“That’s what I said to them after the game.
“But I also said that come Round 2 they would not be playing like schoolgirls, and I know they got the message.
“It was a disappointing performance, but they are definitely a work in progress, and I am confident they will further improve.”
Campbell said all credit should go to YMP.
“Their connections on the court are so good.
“Everyone knows what they are doing and they are such a polished team.”
YMP coach Ingrid Brown said before the match her team had found a nice balance and were nearly there when it came to consistent performance.
They took another solid step along their development road on Saturday.
It sets up a tantalising clash between YMP and Taste One High School Old Girls in the YMCA on Wednesday night.
• Saturday’s play at Victoria Domain was the end of this round for the seniors.
“The teams will be reseeded and Round 3 will start on Saturday,” Beale said.
“Many of the grades were decided on scores from Saturday and some placings were determined on goal differential — a sign of competitive netball.”
