Netball: Huias back in top eight with win over Kauri

Huias goal shoot Rebecca van Rooyen (left) and Kauri centre and Nikayla Lambert contest possession last night. Photo/Paul Taylor

It's winter time so why play netball outside when you can play indoors ... it's not a silly question.

"Yes we've had enough of playing out in the rain," Hastings High School Old Girls' Proactive Huias netball team coach Rebecca Martin joked after her team won Hawke's Bay Premier club netball's promotion-relegation match 36-31 against Super 8 Shield round wooden-spooners Havelock North House of Travel Kauri last night.

"Seriously, we enjoyed playing outside and learnt a lot from it, Martin said of the match in Taradale's Pettigrew-Green Arena.

"Tonight's game was a good one and it's a shame Havelock have to go down because they are a gutsy side."

The opportunity to play indoors on Friday nights rather than outdoors on Saturday would have worked as a motivational factor for the Huias, who led 10-6 after the first quarter, trailed 16-15 at halftime and led 28-27 after the third quarter.

Martin stressed it was a top team effort from her entire squad as all 10 players got court time. Experienced centre Lee-Anne Taylor displayed the benefits of her vast experience at this level with polished control.

Fellow midcourter Megan Lewis won Huias player-of-the-match award with some superb driving play and intelligent options. Lewis and Taylor both had increased workloads after another of the Huias' midcourt staff, Abby Hall, had to retire with an ankle injury in the third quarter.

Huias defenders Raewyn Parahi and Jade Waldin combined well in the Kauri team's attacking circle. Gabbi Robinson, who had stints at goal attack and goal shoot, and goal shoot Rebecca van Rooyen were full of authority for the winners.

"We had our chances but Huias wanted it more ... it was one of those games," Kauri coach Angela Harvey lamented.

"We missed shots and then they would miss shots which often happens in close games."
Captain Mindy Jowsey, who had shifts at wing attack and wing defence, and was the best of the Kauri contingent. Harvey said Jowsey applied plenty of defensive pressure.

Susan Benge and Dana Cook were tireless workers in the defensive circle for Kauri.
Harvey said her troops will be keen to regain Super 8 status next year and all of this season's squad will be available for the quest.