Wairarapa suffered their first defeat in the regional super league netball competition when they were beaten 55-43 by Hutt Valley 2 at the Genesis Recreation Centre in Masterton on Friday evening
It was in the second quarter that Hutt Valley took control of the match which drew an excellent crowd of
around 500 people.
The visitors were up by two goals, 17-15 at the end of the first quarter but scored 16 goals to Wairarapa's eight in the second quarter to lead by a convincing 33-23 at halftime.
They maintained their 10-goal advantage in the third quarter when they led 43-33 and from there were never in danger of defeat, outscoring Wairarapa by two goals in the fourth and final quarter as well.
It was their accuracy in the goal circle which laid the foundations for the Hutt Valley 2 win. Their goal shoot was in outstanding form and despite Wairarapa trying everything they could to keep her in check they were unable to do so.
Hutt Valley 2 were also impressive with the speed and accuracy with which they moved the ball through the court whereas Wairarapa were inclined to be a little tentative in their approach.
The loss is not, however a major blow to Wairarapa's title aspirations.They now share the competition lead with Hutt Valley 2 and Mana and there are still two series of matches l to be played.
The next super league game is next Sunday and it will complete a busy weekend for the Wairarapa players who will be involved in the curtain-raiser match to the Capital Shakers v Northern Force national league game in Wellington on Friday and then will play club netball in Masterton on Saturday.
In club games this weekend Collegiate and All Blacks were big winners in premier one, Collegiate beating Greytown 74-32 and All Blacks beating Hiona 63-17.
Defending champions St Matthew's College were upset by Wairarapa College to the tune of 37-30 and in the other regional one game Celtic Marist had eight goals to spare from Featherston.
