Premier netball's second round up and running

The second round of Marlborough premier netball began with three contrasting encounters at Stadium 2000 tonight.

The scorelines were similar to those registered in the first week of matches, back in mid-April.

On that occasion Central, making their premier debut, got the better of Marlborough Girls’ College by three goals, prevailing 53-50. This time it was by a five-goal margin, 49-44, their clash the closest of the night.

Spectators were fully invested in this one, a tight encounter throughout, with the first and last quarters drawn and MGC closing to a couple of points late in the match.

However, the Blues called on all their premier experience to get the win, underlining the depth of their resources with a couple of new faces playing instrumental roles in the latter stages.

Shooter Bobby Childs, who plays for Awatere on the weekend, stepped in to carry the bulk of the scoring for Central, shooting at 76 percent. In defence, Bonnie Morris showed she has lost none of her athleticism and court craft to pull off a few vital plays.

Keeper Liv Hodson had another good outing while Brittney Lyons held the midcourt together.

Sophia Nicholas was again the spark plug for MGC, providing much-needed energy on attack, while Georgie Fissenden continues her rapid improvement as a reliable defender and Amelia Hood does the same at the attacking end, helping their side claim a deserved bonus point.

The other match which counted for points involved Tokomaru and Pelorus.

Typical of many of Toko’s games this season, the 61-27 scoreline did not properly reflect the on-court action.

However, the fact Pelorus put up 78 shots to their opponent’s 43 outlines the disparity in possession that the winners enjoyed.

Shooter Anel Moli and goal attack Courtney Taufa are gelling well and converted at a healthy rate, while speedy midcourters Bex Mark and Stormy Tupara are proving a handful to contain. In defence Izzy Tupouto’a returned to resume her formidable partnership with Oriana Houra.

Toko keeper Dakota Tepuia did all she could to slow the flow of possession and goals, while Dana Wilson, who alternated between GS and GA was creative and cool under pressure.

Youngsters Kara Beattie and Kayla Hebberd showed they are beginning to come to grips with the pace of premier play.

The final clash of the evening saw the Mixed Invitational side down Harlequins 74-50.

This was a free-flowing high-octane encounter, the Mixed side’s bullet passes and high-flying receptions getting them home in the end, although Quins made a fine fight of it.

At halftime Mixed led 33-30 and the possibility of an upset and first defeat was on the cards. However, they had other ideas, a 21-11 third quarter quickly dousing Quins’ hopes.

The ever-reliable Luke Richardson shot 54 goals from 62 attempts for Mixed, while Luke Rayner showed his versatility and Brody Simpson his speed and vision at wing attack.

Harlequins' Wendy Trolove, usually a key defender, swapped bibs tonight and showed she is not out of place as a goal attack, quickly forming a handy partnership with the prolific Jorja Bacchus, while Natalie Spence adeptly shored up the defensive end.

Scores:

Central Gill Construction 49 (Liv Pinkerton 8 goals from 11 attempts, Celine Barnes 12/16, Bobby Childs 29/38) MGC Liquid Action 44 (Sophia Nicholas 8/15, Amelia Hood 25/40, Jaye Wiapo 11/15). Quarter scores – winning team first: 11-11, 12-10, 11-8, 15-15.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 61 (Courtney Taufa 23/28, Anel Moli 38/50) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 27 (Naomi Fowler 3/6, Dana Wilson 15/24, Kayla Wilson 9/13). Quarter scores – winning team first: 13-9, 15-6, 18-5, 15-7.

Mixed Invitation 74 (Shiloh Walsh 20/28, Luke Richardson 54/62) Harlequins Totalspan 50 (Jorja Bacchus 43/52, Wendy Trolove 7/18). Quarter scores – winning team first: 18-16, 15-14, 21-11, 20-9.