Netball’s Tasman Trophy goes west

Marlborough’s top two premier netball sides tackled some unfamiliar opposition when the annual Tasman Trophy competition was played at Nelson’s Saxton Stadium on Sunday.

Defending champions Pelorus Edridge Contracting and Harlequins Totalspan took on their Nelson counterparts, Jacks OPD and Prices Waimea Ahurei, and both came away with a win and a loss.

The Marlborough sides downed Prices, Pelorus beating them 50-44 in the early round, while Quins came away with a thrilling 37-36 victory later in the afternoon.

However, it was Jacks who showed the way, beating Quins 58-40 in their Sunday morning clash then accounting for Marlborough champions Pelorus 49-45 in the deciding match later in the day.

As well as relishing the opportunity to test their skills against new rivals, the Marlborough sides also had an opportunity to try their hand at the newly-instituted two-point scoring variation.

Having already played a competition round under the two-point system the Nelson-based sides held a slight advantage, which they fully utilised, although the visiting shooters also enjoyed some success from range.

The decisive Jacks v Pelorus clash was tight throughout, the scores tied 13-13 at the first break. By halftime Jacks had edged ahead 28-26, then 41-38 at the three-quarter break. They increased that advantage by one in the final stanza to claim a well-deserved victory.

Shooter Harriet Ogilvie was outstanding for the victors, especially from two-point range, while circle defender Jordy Peipi was a rock at the back for Pelorus and Stormy Tupara a livewire in midcourt.

A Marlborough walking netball side also travelled over for the day, taking on a Nelson/Motueka combined side at the break in proceedings.