Toko send clear message to premier netball rivals

A Tokomaru team, reinforced and rejuvenated after the two-week break from premier netball, came out firing at the start of the competition’s third round tonight.

The Picton club, who have struggled for consistency through the four quarters of a match up to this point of the season, put it all together to overcome Harlequins Totalspan 50-35 in Stadium 2000.

The two previous matches between the sides this season both went the way of the Quins – 56-35 and 38-24. However, tonight told a different story, Toko establishing a seven-goal lead at the halftime break, holding on through a close third quarter, then extending their advantage in the final 15 minutes.

Torrid defensive work throughout the court meant Toko had 69 scoring attempts to their rival’s 52, a huge advantage which shooters Dakota Tepuia and Hana Wilson converted with aplomb.

In midcourt Rebecca Mark, Shannon McManaway, Kayla Wilson and Hazel Glover brought flair and creativity to the party while circle defenders Ellen Barr and the highly-impressive Tiana Placid, a late replacement, made life difficult for the Quins shooters.

Despite operating with less possession, Jorja Bacchus continued to convert at a high rate for Quins, landing 79 percent of her attempts, while GD Delyth James-Sitters produced some eye-catching defence.

It seems Toko may be finding form at the business end of the season, their effort tonight sending a clear warning to all their rivals that are going to be a threat, especially at semifinal time.

Meanwhile, defending champs and competition favourites Pelorus continued on their merry way with a tradesman-like 60-31 win over the Harlequins Grove Tavern combination.

Despite being competitive throughout, Quins soon trailed as their rivals, who fielded a similar line-up throughout, smoothly clicked into gear without finding overdrive.

Laura Evans, at goal attack, demonstrated her premier pedigree with a skilful display, while Brittney Lyons impressed at WD. Aston Underwood and Heidi Cuttle stood out for Quins.

The evening’s first match was a non-competition clash between the Marlborough Men’s side and Pelorus Revival, a grade one side who usually play on Saturday. The Men prevailed 68-35 in an entertaining encounter.

Absent this week was the Marlborough Girls’ College side, who had several members and coaches away with the Marlborough under-18 side currently attending nationals in Auckland.          

Scores:

Tokomaru 50 (Dakota Tepuia 36/47, Hana Wilson 14/22) Harlequins Totalspan 35 (Celine Barnes 8/18, Jorja Bacchus 27/34). Quarter scores (winning team first): 12-11, 14-8, 9-8, 15-8.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 60 (Paige Lovell 42/50, Laura Evans 18/31) Harlequins Grove Tavern 31 (Tegan Bayley 11/19, Wiri Bristowe 13/23, Monja Oberholzer). Quarter scores (winning team first): 18-10, 11-7, 17-6, 14-8.

Marlborough Men 68 (Luke Richardson 37/48, Shiloh Walsh 27/42, Brody Simpson 4/11) Pelorus Revival 35 (Jacinta Sheridan 7/8, Sally King 17/22, Brya Roussel 11/20). Quarter scores (winning team first): 18-8, 22-7, 15-9, 13-11.