Students win netball thriller

Closer scorelines marked week eight of the Marlborough premier netball competition.

Three tight matches took place under the Stadium 2000 roof tonight, with the first game of the evening producing the narrowest scoreline and the most exciting finish of the season so far.

Harlequins Grove Tavern, winless so far this season, took on the Marlborough Girls’ College crew, who have prevailed in just one of their games, against tonight’s opposition in the first round of 2025.

Eventually MGC repeated their earlier effort, prevailing 45-44, although victory was only secured in the final seconds of a see-sawing clash.

The students held a three-goal lead at the three-quarter stage, but as the match entered its final moments the scores were tied 44-44. Quins had the centre pass but were unable to convert, the defensive turnover leading to a shot at the other end, an opportunity Sophia Nicholas was not about to turn down.

Both sides contributed fully to an exciting match.

Hayley Jopson Bianca Oliver, Aston Underwood and player/coach Wiri Bristowe were impressive for Quins, while Elizabeth Bowron, Sophia Saggers and Bree Flynn gave their all for MGC. With Quins enjoying more possession, shooting became doubly important - MGC's Nicholas, Jaye Wiapo and Anna Hurren converting at a very healthy 83 percent.

Harlequins Totalspan were up next and took on the ever-improving Marlborough Men’s unit.

In the early stages this match had all the hallmarks of matching the evening’s earlier entertainment for an exciting finale. Quins led 24-23 at halftime, then the scores were tied at 33-33 entering the final 15 minutes.

However, it was the Men who stepped up down the straight, lifting their intensity to take the match 51-40, the final scoreline no real indication of the battle that preceded the final whistle.

In the early stages especially, defender Jack Frew produced some big defensive plays, throwing the Men off their stride, while Bridget Gane continued to pull the right strings in midcourt.

The move of keeper Jacob Collins to goal shoot for the second spell took time to produce dividends but eventually paid off, his presence in the circle and combination with Luke Richardson proving decisive as they eventually overcame the hard-working Quins defence.

The evening’s final game saw Tokomaru take on the unbeaten Pelorus combination, the reigning champs prevailing 56-31.

As has been their pattern, Toko enjoyed periods of equality and sometimes dominance, but it takes a prolonged defensive, and offensive, effort to derail such a well-oiled machine as this Pelorus crew.

After a stuttering effort last week, Pelorus quickly found their rhythm tonight, racing out to a nine-goal lead after 15 minutes with some slick interplay and rugged defence.

Toko fought back, led by the inspirational Teish O’Connell and middie Ellen Barr, but still trailed 27-15 at the halftime break and were playing catch-up thereafter.

Youngster Stormy Tupara continues to impress for Pelorus, adding flair and pace through midcourt, while the defensive circle trio of Jordy Peipi, Izzy Tupouto’a and Ella Smith is a tough nut to crack.

Scores:

Marlborough Girls’ College Liquid Action 45 (Jaye Wiapo 11/13, Anna Hurren 7/7, Sophia Nicholas 27/34) Harlequins Grove Tavern 44 (Tegan Bayley 12/18, Monja Oberholzer 7/10, Wiri Bristowe 25/35). Quarter scores (winning team first): 12-11, 12-10, 11-11, 10-12.

Marlborough Men 51 (Luke Richardson 9/17, Simon Duncan 19/23, Jacob Collins 23/28) Harlequins Totalspan 40 (Celine Barnes 3/9, Lauren Murray 12/21, Jorja Bacchus 20/24, Jack Frew 5/6). Quarter scores (winning team first): 11-16, 12-8, 10-9, 18-7.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 56 (Paige Lovell 42/52, Courtney Taufa 8/10, Laura Evans 6/11) Tokomaru 31 (Ramona Waikato 3/9, Dakota Tepuia 23/36, Hana Wilson 5/9). Quarter scores (winning team first): 16-7, 11-8, 14-9, 15-7.

Points: Pelorus 9, Totalspan 6, MGC 3, Grove Tavern 1, Tokomaru 0.