Netball competition tightens up

Two close encounters marked the final matches of the first round of Marlborough premier netball at Stadium 2000 tonight.

The evening’s early match involved Tokomaru and Harlequins Fairweathers, two sides seeking their first wins of the season.

The Picton crew came out on top, winning a very even contest 47-42, each team winning two quarters.

A 13-7 second quarter surge by Toko had them ahead by five at the halftime break but Quins came back in the third, narrowing the gap to three.

Late in the final period Quins cut the deficit to just two goals and forced several turnovers which could have seen them draw level, but lost the ball in transition.

Ultimately the cool heads of Gemma Hika and the returning Kayla Wilson in the attacking circle prevailed, dropping in four of the final five goals to ice the win.

Both teams have struggled for attacking rhythm and cohesion in the opening weeks, but showed improvement tonight. Shannon McManaway Paige Smith, Wilson, Naomi Fowler, Hika and Tamara Acott providing some slick attacking work for Toko, while Mahina Henry-Campbell, Jade Shallcrass, Chloe Devir and Ayla Looms handled their defensive duties diligently.

Quins’ defence was based around Kirsty Boase, who alternated between GK and GD, Emily Smith, who wore the GD and WA bibs, plus wing defence Kaya Walsh. The introduction of the spring-heeled Aston Underwood at keeper late in the match had an immediate impact, his partnership with Boase a work in progress.

At the other end, main shooter Jorja Bacchus, Sophie Ridley-Scott, Bianca Bean-Oliver and Zara Jopson had their moments but often lacked confidence to let the pass go, a skill that will evolve over the next two rounds.

The second match featured front-runners Harlequins Indevin against Marlborough Girls’ College, Quins coming away with a comprehensive 61-31 victory after dominating all four quarters.

Impressive for the victors were shooter Fiaali’i Solomona, plus defenders Wendy Trolove and Mackenzie Baird and middie Maighan Watson.

Hazel Glover and Izzy Tupouto’a were the best of a well-beaten student combination.

The evening’s final match was a Pelorus club derby clash, Edridge Contracting needing a second half surge to ease past stablemates Gill Construction 48-41.

Edridge led by six at halftime, then had their advantage cut to one goal at the three-quarter break. The final stanza belonged to Edridge, who controlled possession, putting up 24 shots to their rivals’ 14. A 10-3 scoring streak at the beginning of the quarter final ensured the Edridge girls will have club boasting rights, for the time being at least.

Edridge's standout players were WD Jordy Peipi and the versatile Ella Smith, while Portia Steel, Katie Bradley and Kelsie Fitzpatrick were solid for Gills.

Tonight’s games were the third of the season, and bring to an end the abbreviated first round. Next week the competition proper begins.

Scores:

Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 47 (Naomi Fowler 19/25, Kayla Wilson 2/4, Gemma Hika 26/34) Harlequins Fairweathers 42 (Jorja Bacchus 29/39, Sophie Ridley-Scott 13/19). Quarter scores (winning team first): 12-13, 13-7, 12-14, 10-8.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 48 (Paige Lovell 27/37, Laura Evans 17/24, Megan Cosgrove 4/7) Pelorus Gill Construction 41 (Liv Pinkerton 27/40, Cara Gallop 14/30). Quarter scores: 7-12, 11-12, 14-9, 16-8.

Harlequins Indevin 61 (Fiaali’i Solomona 52/59, Kelsee Powell 5/8, Romana Waikato 3/4, Kayla Collins 1/2) Marlborough Girls’ College 31 (Emily Flynn 5/9, Anel Moli 13/19, Hazel Glover 13/21). Quarter scores: 18-9, 14-5, 16-7, 13-10.