Liz Watson, goal shoot for Verdettes Marist, takes the shot under strong defence. Photo / Judy Macdonald.
In the fifth week of the Vege King indoor open premier grade the first half of the game between Uni Premier and New World Rototuna Suburbs Premier lived up to all expectations with a closely contested and competitive game.
At the end of the first quarter, Uni Premier led by a goal and at half time they had increased this slightly to be four goals ahead. Uni Premier then dominated the second half, particularly the final quarter.
Rachael Fabling at goal defence was a standout working well on defence and assisting with bringing the ball through the court on attack. Another standout at the opposite end of the court was Elsa Brown at goal shoot.
Brown proved a tall target, hard to mark and holding strong to shoot the majority of the goals. For Rototuna Suburbs Premier Allysha Taurima playing her comeback game in the mid court at wing attack then centre used speed to find good space and linked beautifully with the shooters.
Emily Patterson at goal defence disrupted the ball and slowed momentum. It was only in the later part of the game that the team struggled to keep possession of the ball.
The final score was 66 goals to 48.
With this win Uni Premier take out the sponsorship round of the competition and remains the favourite leading into the championship round. The team is keen to secure their 7th consecutive championship round win.
Hautapu Premier in their game against First Credit Union Verdettes Marist had a good initial first quarter and a particularly strong final quarter (only lost this by two goals) however they lost a lot of momentum and intensity with two low scoring middle quarters.
Verdettes Marist, in contrast, had a reasonably polished performance despite having players away due to sickness and injury. They had some solid defence, fluid mid court attack and consistent shooting.
Tayla Higgie had a strong game at wing defence picking up lots of ball. At half time Verdettes Marist lead by sixteen goals and the final score was 57 goals to 26.
Hautapu Premier plays a promotion relegation game against New World Suburbs Prem Reserve on Friday, July 15 to see if they remain in the indoor premier competition.
In the all club game of FTNC Premier playing FTNC Premier 1 the lower ranked team defaulted to allow the promotion relegation game between FTNC Premier 1 and St Paul's Collegiate A to be held prior to a number of players from both teams going away for representative netball commitments.
Promotion relegation game - July 7
FTNC Premier 1 vs St Pauls Collegiate A
This was a low scoring but highly intense game between two teams striving for the same outcome. And it was only in the dying minutes that the winner was determined after what can only be described as a see sawing game with both teams winning two quarters.
There was massive spectator support for both teams. For St Paul's Collegiate the players showed maturity and a good connection with each other both on and off the court. Their belief, trust and respect in each other was evident on court as they allowed every player to do their job.
It was true team spirt and guts to take the win in the last minute of the game. For FNTC Premier their defensive effort through court was outstanding and Renee Gudgeon at goal keep and Georgina Speedy at goal defence turned over a large amount of ball.
Amy Kaukau on at goal attack for most of the game brought a fresh dynamic to the shooting circle. The final score was 34 goals to 33. FNTC Premier 1 were obviously greatly disappointed by the outcome. Congratulations to St Paul's for their performance and for their promotion.
Vege King Indoor Premier Results - July 7
First Credit Union Verdettes Marist 57 vs Hautapu Premier 26
Uni Premier 66 vs New World Rototuna Suburbs Premier 48
FTNC Premier (win by default) vs FTNC Premier 1 (default)
Open Grade/Secondary Schools - July 7
The finals of the Open Grade/Secondary Schools competition was held on a Thursday night outdoors at the courts. Originally this was just open grade, however, a few secondary schools expressed interest in playing so they were added into the mix. The competition has had approximately five weeks of pool play prior to the final.
1st Grade Pool 1
Blue Magic Phoenix Prems 24 vs Te Hona Red 20.
1st Grade Pool 2
Kio Ora College 29 vs Queenwood Plumbing 18.
The second grade was a round robin with the winner being Jammerz and runner up was Frankton Storm.