Netball: Player-of-match win for birthday girl

INTERCEPT: Central wing defence Jasmine Primmer secures possession during her team's win last night. PHOTO/Warren Buckland

Birthday girl and captain Anna Cudby produced a player-of-the-match performance as Central recorded their first win in Hawke's Bay's Super 6 premier netball competition last night.

Cudby, who turned 25 yesterday, shone in two positions, centre and goal defence, during Central Sports Vet Services HB's 54-51 win against the other previously winless team Havelock North Jazz Apples Kauri at Taradale's Pettigrew-Green Arena. Kauri will take on HHSOG Steve Jude Motors Keas in Friday night's promotion-relegation game at the same venue.

"What a game and what a comeback. We knew we wanted it and we never gave up. It was amazing from the girls," Cudby said afterwards.

She was referring to the fact her team didn't take the lead in the fourth quarter until seven minutes of play remained.

"I think our superior experience at this level paid off. We knew when to let the ball go and we knew when to treasure it and hold on to it particularly during the final three minutes," Cudby said.

"At the same time I think Havelock thought they had the game. A couple of key intercepts lifted our girls when we were two or three goals up."

Along with Cudby, midcourters Jasmine Primmer and Keryn Marshall functioned well for the winners.

Although Central have no game next week they will still be training.

Kauri coach Angela Harvey, who is in her maiden season at this level, praised her troops' gutsy effort but was also quick to salute Central's victory.

"We missed the services of two of our defenders, Dana Cook and Emma Cameron, tonight but they will both be back for the Keas game. We can take this hit and pick ourselves up for next week," Harvey said.

Consistent goal attack Kate Pearse combined well with veteran goal shoot Tania Laking in their first outing together. Captain Mindy Jowsey and fellow midcourter Nikayla Lambert impressed with their feeding.

Kauri led 18-14 after the first quarter, 28-27 at halftime and 45-38 after the third quarter.

This was the only game played last night. The other two, All In Elusive against Outkast Optimise Physio and defending champions Otane Thirsty Whale against another unbeaten side, HHSOG Proactive Huias, will be played at Pettigrew-Green Arena on Friday night. They were postponed because of the Hawke's Bay Under-17 team's trip to Wellington for a rep tournament this weekend.