Netball: Bay put in effort for two wins

Simone Bibby (GD) and Briana Stephenson (C) stifle Wairarapa.

The Hawke's Bay under-17 netballers had two wins yesterday at the age-group nationals in Mount Maunganui.

The HBS Bank-sponsored Bay side defied wet weather to beat Wairarapa 29-12 after goal attack Nikki Livingstone and goal shooter Emma Vennell created space on attack for an early lead.

Full court defence prompted Wairarapa into making mistakes as the Bay surged to an 18-8 lead at halftime.

Jaydi Chaffey-Taylor's injection in the second half alongside Simone Bibby saw a wealth of turnover ball. Centre Briana Stevenson was pivotal in the 25-11 score into the third quarter.

Coach Lee-Anne Taylor was pleased with the overall effort.

The Bay started strongly in the afternoon to overcome Whanganui 29-20 after negating the tight defensive circle.

Chanay Peri and Stephenson were vital in going 16-9 up at halftime. Whanganui came back in the fourth quarter but the Bay regrouped to ward off the late surge.

The Bay play Taranaki in the final day of crossover play today.