Pelorus take first round honours

Despite a raft of off-season changes, Pelorus still look like the team to beat after the first round of Marlborough premier netball concluded at Stadium 2000 tonight.

The three-time champs are a different-looking side this season, rebuilding in the absence of several key players. However, they have seen off all their title challengers during the first five weeks of competition, taking first round honours once again.

Tonight they met the other previously unbeaten side, Central, and came out on top of a low-scoring encounter 46-32, drawing away in the final quarter after leading by just five at the three-quarter mark.

Both sides defences were on point tonight, conspiring and combining to keep the scores down. Leading the way for the victors was the formidable circle combination of Liv Matthews and Oriana Houra, while Central’s Katie Cunningham, Liv Hodson, who also played goal shoot for half the match, and Portia Steel proved difficult to dominate.

Anel Moli was a force under the attacking hoop for Pelorus, knocking in a handful of two-pointers as she found her range early. GA Celine Barnes was busy as usual for Central, who have missed the skills of former Tactix shooter Jess Prosser in recent weeks.

This was the final week the two-point shot will be in force, scoring returning to the normal format for the remaining rounds.

The other match counting for competition points, that between Harlequins and Tokomaru, was taken out by Quins 55-46.

Toko hung tough for much of the game but trailed early after a slow start and were unable to close the gap, despite winning the final quarter by six goals.

Once again shooter Jorja Bacchus was a relentless source of points for Quins, slotting 46 of 52 attempts, content to work close to the post rather than look for two-pointers late in the quarters.

Natalie Spence and Delyth James-Sitters also caught the eye for the winners.

Toko are threatening each week, but have yet to put a 60-minute effort together. Sarai Puna, Dakota Tepuia and Ellen Barr worked hard throughout the contest, while Dana Wilson shot well to keep her side in the contest.

The early match was a non-competition encounter between MGC and the Invitation team, who prevailed comfortably, 57-29.

With players such as Aston Underwood, NZ age group rep Manaia Takitimu-Laws, Sam Pearson and Ben McManus showing their athleticism and leaping prowess, it was always going to be a tough night for the students.

However, they continued to play their own game and, with defender Georgie Fissenden and shooter Amelia Hood improving with each outing, are beginning to find combinations and gain confidence in the top echelon.

Scores:

Mixed Invitation 57 (Shiloh Walsh 22 points/28 attempts, Luke Richardson 15/21, Sam Pearson 9/12, Manaia Takitimu-Laws) MGC Liquid Action 29 (Sophia Nicholas 14/29, Amelia Hood 12/29, Izzy Vickery 3/5). Quarter scores – winning team first: 21-1, 11-11, 13-8, 12-9.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 46 (Courtney Taufa 10/21, Anel Moli 36/45) Central Gill Construction 32 (Jess Rutherford 3/6, Liv Hodson 7/16, Celine Barnes 22/29). Quarter scores – winning team first: 14-8, 10-8, 6-9, 16-7.

Harlequins Totalspan 55 (Jorja Bacchus 46/52, Lauren Murray 9/16) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 46 (Naomi Fowler 16/27, Dana Wilson 18/20, Kayla Wilson 12/19). Quarter scores – winning team first: 17-8, 15-13, 16-12, 7-13.

Round one points: Pelorus 12, Central 9, Harlequins 7, MGC 4, Tokomaru 1.