Team spirit carries Wanganui to title

SIX PACK: The Wanganui Year 8 girls won the Viking Netball Tournament in Dannevirke with six straight wins. Back left: Montel Arki, Talitua Leo', Taina Ngaua, Shanice Campbell and O'Sharn Kata. Front: Sarah Gower-James, Emma Haitana, Imogen Flower, Rebecca Tamati and Teagan Tapa.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Wanganui Netball representative Year 8 team have taken out the Viking Tournament in Dannevirke over the weekend with a six-game winning streak.

Coach TeOra Nyman could not fault the way her team approached each game with gutsy determination and team spirit despite the bleak, cold conditions.

She said that strong spirit had been the key to the team's success this season.

Leading her team from the front all day, captain Imogen Flower (GA) worked tirelessly in every game, receiving 89 per cent of the centre passes and working well with Montel Aki (GS) who together kept their shooting percentage in the late 90s.

Nyman said their partnership was getting stronger each tournament and the duo were a key element to the team's success. O'Sharn Kata alternated in the GS position with ease.

At the other end, Taina Ngaua (GK) and Talitua Leo' (GD) had an impressive defensive game continually tag teaming the opposition attack.

"Leo' in particular brought another dimension to her play this weekend. However, the versatility and strength of midcourters Rebecca Tamati, Teagan Tapa, Shanice Campbell, Sarah Gower-James and Emma Haitana who all played C, WD and WA over the course of the day, ensured the element of surprise with each game. These girls never hesitate when combinations are changed," Nyman said.

They won their first game against Manurere 22-11, then beat Paharakeke 19-9, Wairarapa Bush 33-5, Tamatea 19-5, and Dannevirke 35-7.

The final against Feilding was hard fought, but Nyman said her girls' skill, calmness and comradeship saw them win by one goal, despite being five goals down going into the last quarter.

The game was a highlight for courtside spectators. Final score 19-18.