Pelorus lay out their credentials

Pelorus established their position as competition front-runners when Marlborough premier netball resumed at Stadium 2000 tonight.

The three-time champions were expected to be pushed hard by Central but came away with a comprehensive 50-31 victory, underlining their 2026 title threat.

The Dark Blues have both their relentless defensive unit and attacking combination working in sync, while their rearranged midcourt continues to impress, the energetic Bex Mark adeptly slotting in smoothly.

For a while Central looked set to make this an even contest, trailing by just nine at the halfway mark. However, their opponents made less mistakes and ruthlessly converted the wealth of possession that came their way, Pelorus shooters Anel Moli, who remains calm and composed under the hoop, and Courtney Taufa both notching high percentages.

Former Tactix shooter Jess Prosser returned for Central, landing 18 of her 19 goal attempts, but her side were unable to provide her with enough quality ball, her side putting up just 46 goal attempts to Pelorus’s 61. Brittney Lyons and Liv Hodson both worked hard to keep Central in the match but the Light Blues know they have some ground to make up before the teams’ next encounter.

The other late game was between Harlequins and a Tokomaru side which has been under-performing so far.

However tonight they turned in one of their better performances of the season, despite going down 58-42 to a Harlequins side which was able to lift its game in the crucial final quarter.

Up until then this had been a tight tussle. Down 28-22 at halftime, Toko drew the third quarter 12-12 but were unable to keep it together for the full hour, losing the last 15-minute period 18-8 to produce another scoreline that did not properly represent the closeness of the contest.

Take nothing away from Harlequins, who led from start to finish. They were slick and efficient at converting possession into points. Once again shooter Jorja Bacchus was a standout, showing both command of her space in the attacking circle and clever anticipation.

However, all shooters need good feeders and in Bridget Gane she has one of the very best. The veteran midcourter’s eye for a circle entry is undiminished, her decision-making keen and her leadership vital, whether at centre or wing attack.

Defenders Ellen Barr, Dakota Tepuia and Sarai Puna worked relentlessly for Toko, while the attacking combination of the three Wilson sisters is sometimes telepathic and always entertaining.

The evening’s first match saw the Mixed Invitation side prevail 64-36 against Marlborough Girls’ College, most of whom had played in a Christchurch age group tournament over King’s Birthday Weekend.

As usual the students rang the changes, all 12 players being introduced at some stage in a variety of different combinations.

Luca McMillan caught the eye at centre and wing attack, while fellow midcourter Bree Flynn returned to premier action after some time off.

Jacob Collins warmed up for an umpiring stint with a lively game at keeper for the Invitation crew, while Nick Rayner enjoyed himself in midcourt.

Scores:

Mixed Invitation 64 (Shiloh Walsh 20/31, Luke Richardson 44/52) MGC Liquid Action 36 (Sophia Nicholas 10/15, Amelia Hood 11/29, Jaye Wiapo 10/18, Izzy Vickery 5/12).  Quarter scores – winning team first: 12-10, 22-5, 15-10, 15-11.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 50 (Courtney Taufa 19/22, Anel Moli 30/37, Mele Moli 1/2) Central Gill Construction 31 (Celine Barnes 5/12, Jess Prosser 18/19, Courtney Folster 1/4, Jess Rutherford 7/11). Quarter scores – winning team first: 13-9, 14-9, 11-5, 12-8.

Harlequins Totalspan 58 (Jorja Bacchus 52/62, Lauren Murray 6/13) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 42 (Dana Wilson 23/33, Kayla Wilson 19/24). Quarter scores – winning team first: 17-12, 11-10, 12-12, 18-8.