Whanganui Intermediate School netballers shine in higher grade

The WIS 8A netball girls were far from disgraced playing in a higher division this season. Photo / Cara Blake

Early season success hot on the heels of an unbeaten run last year, the Whanganui Intermediate School 8A netball team was propelled to a higher division where it made a significant mark this season.

After being unbeaten in Whanganui competition last season WIS 8A won the opening day A grade tournament in the intermediate section this year and then played grading games in the secondary division (five grades in all).

As a result of these games they were placed in Secondary School Division Two. After the first round robin series of games they were placed near the top of the grade and then in the competition round they lost only one game.

They won their semifinal against Whanganui High School B2 32-23 and then met Whanganui City College A in the final.

In a very fast game the WIS girls led for the first two quarters then trailed by one at half time. The last quarter was played in great spirit although City College won by three goals in the end, 24-21.

The point of difference for the WIS girls throughout the season was the maturity they showed in their play. Facing girls several years older than themselves they showed a high level of skills, anticipating intercepts and being able to finish off well in the goal shooting circle. They never allowed themselves to be flustered or intimidated by their opponents, despite the fact they were often considerably shorter than their opposition.

Coach Sharon Kaua said she had never coached such an outstanding intermediate-aged team in all her years of coaching. They showed commitment and strength of character well beyond their years, she said.

Seven of the WIS girls were also in the Whanganui Year 8 representative team and Tuahine Hadfield received the award for Most Valuable Player in that team. In interschool games they comfortably defeated Highlands Intermediate from New Plymouth and at a tournament in Masterton won all five qualifying games against teams from intermediates in the Lower North Island before losing by one goal in a thrilling final against Masterton Intermediate.