Placing sixth out of 12 teams represented a strong performance from the Wairarapa under-15 netball team at the Cook Osborne tournament at Paraparaumu last Sunday. A highlight was the two-goal loss to eventual winners Wellington A, a game which was, however, marred by the loss of captain Jesse Smith with anankle injury. Maria Hodges had an outstanding tourney for Wairarapa at wing attack, feeding the shooters well and forcing numerous turnovers on defence, while Ngahuia Wilson was equally as effective at goal attack. Coach Kim Whiteman said Wairarapa had improved with each game, losing fifth in a hard fought playoff with Manawatu A, who they will face first up in another tournament in Palmerston North this weekend. Wairarapa's results were: lost to Marlborough 14-16, lost to Nelson 14-16, beat Manawatu B 18-10, lost to Wellington A 17-19, beat Hutt Valley development 17-10, lost to Manawatu A 18-22. The Wairarapa under-15 development team lost all four of their games at the Cooke Osborne event but coach Lynda Strange was pleased with their effort and determination. She said their never-say-die attitude ensured they made a positive impact on proceedings. In their match with Hastings the Wairarapa team were only down by goal at haltime after some outstanding shooting by Tania Strang but Hastings increased their lead to six in the second spell. An inconsistent first half cost Wairarapa dearly against Wellington B as there was only two goals between the teams in the second half. The defensive trio of Ngapera Tipuna, Victoria Green and Paige Drummond contained Wellington well and Natahsa Hill and Amy Pollock stood out on attack. Wairarapa development squad results: lost to Hastings 12-18, lost to Manawatu A 8-30, lost to Kapiti 5-28, lost to Wellington B 8-22.
