NETBALL
Match of the week report Te Hapua 41 The Chicks 13: A one-sided prem 1 grade affair for a Te Hapua oozing with defensive talent, particularly the talented Ari Ihaka showing her usual flamboyant style in speed and intercepts. Notable for the Chicks were Tina Takimoana dominating the midcourt
and GS Sandy Gibbs.
Blue House beat KC UNISS: Youth up against experience in this Prem 1 grade match highlighted by KC defender Nadia Matthews playing against mum Gloria in Blue House. 'Hands over the ball' was the instruction given by the KC coaching staff in order to disrupt the flow of ball into a Blue House shooting circle featuring the height advantage of GS Lisa Tamarua and GA Nadine Boyton. GK Tavenisa Diri Baker took on an aerial battle with KC's tall GS Creole Wallace who, along with GA Shayna Rogers-Christensen, kept their team in the hunt until the last quarter when Blue House capitalised on a couple of errors to win by five goals.
Awanui 16 Aupouri 14: A low-scoring affair from the collegiate grade awash with basic errors, especially stepping and obstruction counts. Awanui's defensive duo of Javia Maheno and Hazel Busby played well in securing possession for their side and giving GA Kara Wallace ample opportunities at the other end, while Aupouri never gave up, playing hard until the final whistle but unable to overcome a 2-goal deficit.
Ypap 34 Houhora Hustlers 30: A closely contested game from the Prem 2 grade with both teams commenting on how well the umpires controlled the match and how clean yet competitive it was.
