Netballers back in stadium

A couple of weeks off did nothing to curb the enthusiasm of Marlborough’s premier netballers, who kicked off the final round of competition tonight with three eagerly-contested matches at Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000.

There was some rust after a fortnight’s break, but three competitive games ensued, the highlight being a ding-dong battle between Pelorus Gill Construction and Tokomaru in the first game of the evening.

Pelorus eventually came away with a 61-58 victory in a high-scoring clash whose result was in doubt until the final minutes when, with the scores tied, Pelorus went on a 6-2 run to wrap up an entertaining opener.

Pelorus dominated the possession stakes and needed to, with the Toko shooters having an outstanding night – Gemma Hika, Kayla Wilson and Naomi Fowler missing just three of the 61 shots they put up.

Pelorus held a five-goal advantage at the halftime break, however a 18-11 third quarter saw Toko go into the final period of play with a two-goal lead. In a topsy-turvy last 15 minutes, the experience of Pelorus defenders Portia Steele, Anna Thomas and Bonnie Morris shone through, coupled with the cool heads of Karli Murphy and the ever-reliable Kate Gaudin at the attacking end.

Tokomaru showed they are a side on the rise, with Chloe Devir and Ayla Looms impressive in defence, along with middies Shannon McManaway and the fleet-footed Wilson sisters.

The evening’s other matches were more predictable, although the Harlequins club derby between Fairweathers and unbeaten first round winners Indevin had an unexpected opening.

Fairweathers began as if they had been practising hard during the break, leading their favoured rivals 11-8 into the first break, Emily Smith instrumental in bringing the ball through court along with Zara Jopson.

However, Indevin came out firing in the second stanza, seasoned campaigners Bridget Gane, Simone Pedersen and Lauren Murray sparking them to a 17-6 quarter, and an eight-point lead at the main break.

After three quarters of an hour they had boosted this to 16 goals, Murray missing just one shot while keeper Wendy Trolove made things difficult for Fairweathers at the other end.

After limiting the damage in the final period, Fairweathers could reflect on a patient and improved display, losing 50-31, especially given the fact they were whipped 72-29 in the first round.

Indevin were not at their best tonight, but continue to set the pace with four games remaining before the premier semifinals.

The evening’s third match saw MGC take on Pelorus Edridge Contracting, the students coming up well short, dropping all four quarters to go down 61-36.

The fact Pelorus put up 78 shots at goal compared to MGC’s 52 illustrates the disparity in possession. Paige Lovell and Megan Cosgrove (who missed just one of her 22 shots) benefitted from some slick midcourt work from Brittney Lyons, Laura Evans and Jordan Peipi, while Ella Smith and Danelle Moffat worked well in defence in a side which remained unchanged throughout.

The students had their moments but lacked attacking composure under pressure, resulting in turnovers and an inability to maintain possession.

Their best were defenders Izzy Tupouto’a and Brooke Harper, plus wing attack Paige O’Brien.

Scores:

Pelorus Gill Construction 61 (Liv Pinkerton 10/13, Kate Gaudin 39/41, Karli Murphy 12/16) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 58 (Naomi Fowler 21/22, Gemma Hika 31/32, Kayla Wilson 6/7. Quarter scores (winning team first): 16-13, 18-16, 11-18, 16-11.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 61 (Paige Lovell 40/54, Megan Cosgrove 21/24) Marlborough Girls’ College 36 (Anel Moli 16/25, Hazel Glover 20/27). Quarter scores: 18-9, 15-11, 12-7, 16-9.

Harlequins Indevin 50 (Lauren Murray 37/51, Ramona Waikato 7/10, Kayla Collins 6/9) Harlequins Fairweathers 31 (Jorja Bacchus 11/13, Sophie Ridley-Scott 20/25). Quarter scores: 8-11, 17-6, 14-6, 11-8.

Points after week one of round two: Harlequins Indevin 3, Pelorus Edridge Contracting 3, Pelorus Gill Construction 3, Tokomaru 1, MGC 0, Harlequins Fairweathers 0.