Wairarapa made a stuttering start to their participation at the national under-17 netball tournament in Wanganui on Saturday, losing to Te Awamutu and then crushing North Harbour B. From the opening whistle against a Te Awamutu team who are being touted as one of the tournament favourites Wairarapa were in troublewith their first two centre passes being intercepted. From there it was case of Te Awamutu dominating the game with their precision and speed and Wairarapa struggling to get any momentum into their attacks because of unforced errors.Te Awamutu won 30-14. Wairarapa were determined to redeem themselves against North Harbour B and with shooters Sophie Ross and player of the match Hope Phillips in commanding form they did so, winning by a handsome 36-12. Midcourters Logan Karaitiana and Pip Lynch brought the ball strongly through the court to the circle edge and there was some powerful defence from Harriet Somerville, Ella Biggs and Sarah McKenzie. Wairarapa won every quarter in this game, the third by an overwhelming 12 goals to one. Substitutes Milly Bell and Lisa Morriss both slotted in well when they took to he court, being instrumental in maintaining their team's superiority in all departments.
