Wairarapa have picked up their first points in the regional super league netball competition, drawing 52-52 with Ulalei Hutt Valley at the Walter Nash Stadium in Wellington.
The two teams went practically goal for goal all the way although Wairarapa could claim to have had the better of thefirst three-quarters, holding a 15-11 lead at the end of the first, 29-25 at the end of the second and 43-40 at the end of the third.
Coach Dayle Clarkson was delighted with the intensity of the Wairarapa performance.
"Every member of the squad forced defensive errors, we treasured possession, made good judgment calls and kept our focus. Each and every player stepped up to the plate. There were no weak points no matter what combination we had out there."
Captain Kerewai Tatana agreed with Clarkson's sentiments. She said the team had received many favourable comments on how much they had improved since the start of the super league.
"We have come a long way in a short space of time, the grit and determination has been outstanding," she said.
A standout player for Wairarapa in their latest fixture was 16-year-old Elleshia Clarkson, playing at centre. She has shown maturity and capability well above her years and her agility and speed has made her dangerous on attack and defence. Fellow midcourter Rennie Hemara also had a fine game, distributing intelligently into her shooters.
However, coach Clarkson is aware of the need to keep her players grounded leading into tomorrow's match against Naenae Collegians Hutt Valley to be played at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua. The last time the two teams met, Naenae won by 50 points and Clarkson says it will be vital for Wairarapa to stop the flow of the ball into the accurate Naenae shooters.
"Defensively we will need to attack the ball on the outside of the shooting circle and keep them moving," she said.
Clarkson accepts Wairarapa will start as underdogs but believes they could push Naenae close if they show similar teamwork to that displayed against Ulalei.
"Each player has to perform their role better than they have ever done before, that's the challenge."
Wairarapa are positioned third in their pool and a winning effort against Naenae would earn them a more comfortable semifinals draw.
