Premier netballers back with a vengeance

The top contenders for Marlborough premier netball’s championship title flexed their muscles as round three began under the Stadium 2000 roof tonight.

After two weeks off, all sides were keen to impress and it was defending champions Pelorus and round two winners Harlequins who stood out.

Pelorus took on Central in what proved the game of the night, the Dark Blues prevailing 61-45.

The first half provided some of the best netball of the season. Both teams contributed to 30 minutes of fast, entertaining play, after which Pelorus held a slender 26-24 advantage, possession evenly balanced and similar shooting stats at both ends.

Central were buoyed by the presence of Brooke Leaver, a recent arrival in the province, the skilful goal shoot a former Mainland Tactix player.

Her presence seemed to lift the Light Blues, with GA Celine Barnes, plus midcourters Brittney Lyons, Sophie Robinson and Kelsie Fitzpatrick working especially hard to provide quality ball.

On the other side of the court, Pelorus welcomed back Oriana Houra, who quickly formed a capable defensive circle partnership with Mya Gibbons, and speedy midcourter Bex Mark.

In Anel Moli they have found a reliable, confident source of goals, the youngster landing 45 of her 54 attempts as her side pulled clear in the latter stages of the match, claiming a succession of turnovers and making the most of them.

The evening’s other late game saw Harlequins surge to a 67-39 win over Tokomaru.

Leading the way for the Quins was shooter Jorja Bacchus, landing 58 of her 60 goal attempts. Possession was firmly in Quins’ favour, putting up 78 shots to their rivals’ 53 as their defence, marshalled by keeper Wendy Trolove, stepped up to claim any rebounds and loose passes.

Harlequins came out hot, seemingly rejuvenated by the fortnight break. By halftime Toko trailed 37-17 and although they held Quins to four-goal margins in the final two quarters, they were well beaten.

Kayla Wilson and Naomi Fowler made the most of the shooting opportunities that came their way but were always on the back foot against a confident, well-drilled unit.

The early game featured Marlborough Girls’ College against the Mixed Invitational side, who prevailed 69-38.

The students, most of whom had played all the previous week in the Marlborough under-18 side at nationals, lost influential shooter Sophia Nicholas with an ankle injury early on and struggled to cope with the height, speed and accuracy of the Mixed crew.

Centre Sophie Moore caught the eye for MGC while Nic Rayner and Sam Pearson showed their versatility for the Invitational side with strong efforts in various positions.

On Sunday, the annual Tasman Trophy cross-over competition is staged at Stadium 2000. In a series of matches beginning from 10am, Harlequins and Pelorus take on Jacks and Prices, the top two Nelson sides.

Scores:

Mixed Invitation 69 (Shiloh Walsh 15/20, Luke Richardson 39/51, Jacob Collins 11/12, Sam Pearson 4/6) MGC Liquid Action 38 (Sophia Nicholas 5/5, Amelia Hood 27/48, Izzy Vickery 6/13). Quarter scores – winning team first: 15-14, 17-8, 20-7, 17-9.

Harlequins Totalspan 67 (Jorja Bacchus 58/60, Lauren Murray 9/18) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 39 (Dana Wilson 3/4, Kayla Wilson 15/19, Naomi Fowler 21/30). Quarter scores – winning team first: 17-8, 20-9, 15-11, 15-11.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 61 (Courtney Taufa 12/19, Anel Moli 45/54, Mele Moli 4/7) Central Gill Construction 45 (Celine Barnes 13/21, Liv Pinkerton 7/10, Brooke Leaver 25/28). Quarter scores – winning team first: 14-13, 12-11, 18-10, 17-11.