Indoor netball: Closely contested clash for FTNC Premier and Verdettes

Jessie Taane at GA for Uni Premier. Photo / Supplied

New World Rototuna Suburbs Premier 51 vs Verdettes Marist Premier 36
Uni Premier 98 vs New World Rototuna Suburbs Premier Reserves 32
FTNC Premier 44 vs Verdettes Marist Old Girls 48

The first week of the Indoor Premier netball competition saw the highest ranked team playing the lowest ranked in the grade i.e. 1 v 6 and as a result there as a big score in the game between Uni Premier and New World Rototuna Suburbs Premier Reserve.

The Uni Premier team on the back of a Super 14 competition win four weeks ago were ruthless and relentless in their pursuit of ball possession. All 12 players were able to take the court and performed well. Rototuna Suburbs Premier Reserve displayed persistent effort despite the onslaught and at times there were some nice phases of play.

Lyanne Ekualiti, Y13 student at WD. Photo / Supplied

Uni Premier led from start to finish, ahead 52 goals to 13 at half time. The final score was 98 goals to 32. It was a reality check for the newly promoted Rototuna Suburbs Premier Reserve side. Rebecca Ottaway moving from wing defence to goal shooter showed her versatility transitioning between the positions well. Young school girl Mya Meadows as a fill in showed promise at wing defence and centre.

The clash of the week was between FTNC Premier and Verdettes Marist Old Girls. This was a closely contested and lively match. Verdettes Marist Old Girls had a slim three goal lead at the end of the first quarter only to have FTNC Premier win the second quarter to level the game at half time with 23 goals apiece. Verdettes Marist Old Girls then drew ahead again to lead by four goals at the end of the third quarter with the final quarter a draw.

The final score was 48 goals to 44. Verdettes Marist Old Girls had some experienced players on court plus they had a height advantage at both ends of the court. FTNC Premier have some new exiting players in the team this year and this resulted in some hesitation being shown at times in bringing the ball through the court.

One of the youngest players Teri Wathen-Smith was strong at centre to feed the more experienced Katie Damsteegt at goal shoot who played a calm and collective game not allowing the strong defensive pair from Verdettes Marist Old Girls to affect her presence in the circle.

New World Rototuna Suburbs Premier in their game against Verdettes Marist Premier were tested for three quarters of the game, a compliment to the Verdettes Marist Premier team which has been promoted from the Saturday competition. At the end of the first quarter Rototuna Suburbs Premier were ahead by two goals but at half time the game was drawn at 21 all. Then at three quarters they had taken the lead again by four goals.

In the final quarter they really stepped it up a gear to win this quarter comprehensively. They won the game 51 goals to 36. New World Rototuna Suburbs Premier with the bare seven players showed athleticism and speed and were enthusiastic in their constant hunt for the ball. They were tight on their through court defence especially in the final quarter. Gabby Swift at goal shoot was consistent and solid in the goal circle.

Verdettes Marist Premier's attacking end had a solid game where they showed a lot of perseverance and determination up against the solid defensive line up that Suburbs Premier put out on court. Danni Hodges at wing attack and back from knee surgery had a strong game and ensured good ball was fed into the shooters. Liz Watson at goal shoot came into the game during the first quarter and added spice and speed to the shooting circle. Overall there were some nice straight lines of play.