Netballers come out to play

Combinations began to gel and favourites emerged as the second week of premier netball played out at Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 tonight.

Harlequins Indevin underlined their early claim to competition favouritism with a second commanding victory, beating Pelorus Gill Construction 61-25.

Pelorus Edridge, who were beaten by Quins on opening night, bounced back with a comprehensive 68-41 win over Tokomaru while Marlborough Girls’ College prevailed 37-30 in the closest match of the evening, downing Harlequins Fairweather.

As the low score suggests the MGC v Harlequins Fairweather match-up was not one for the netball purists.

Both sides were guilty of plenty of turnovers, some forced, others due to a lack of cohesion and time on court together.

Hazel Glover led the students’ attack, being reliable in the attacking circle, while Paige O’Brien, Ella Sowman and Elizabeth Pousima were busy and innovative in midcourt. At the back, Brooke Harper and the outstanding Izzy Tupouto’a are beginning to form a potent defensive combination.

The same could be said for their rivals, with defenders Kirsty Boase and Emily Smith working well in tandem during the first half hour. Smith showed her versatility later in the game with stints at centre and wing defence, shining along with the lively Aston Underwood. Sophie Ridley-Scott again impressed under the hoop.

Harlequins Indevin won all four quarters against Pelorus Gill Construction, maintaining a steady flow of goals despite many personnel changes and the loss of skipper Lauren Murray in the second quarter with a leg injury.

Mackenzie Baird and Wendy Trolove stepped up at the defensive end for the champs, helping restrict Pelorus to just 49 attempts at goal, compared to their side’s 92.

Kelsee Powell, Sophie Robinson and lynchpin Bridget Gane ensured plenty of ball flowed the way of the Quins shooters, led by Fiaali’i Solomona who dropped in 43 of her 53 attempts, and Kayla Collins.

Pelorus, although hampered by a lack of consistent possession, battled hard to the final whistle, with Michelle MacDonald, Anna Thomas, Bonnie Morris and Katie Bradley to the fore.

The night’s opening encounter, between Tokomaru and Pelorus Edridge, turned into something of a blow out, a scoreline that does not reflect the effort the Picton crew put in.

Pelorus welcomed circle kingpin Paige Lovell back and she made her presence felt immediately, landing 34 goals from 44 attempts in the first spell and finishing with 59 of her side’s 68 goals for the evening.

She was kept busy by a steady flow of ball from Brittney Lyons, the impressive Megan Cosgrove and Laura Evans. Handling the defensive duties were Ella Smith, Jordy Peipi and Danelle Moffatt, their combinations now beginning to gel.

Gemma Hika was again a standout for Toko, along with midcourters Shannon McManaway, Paige Smith and Hayley Turoa. Ayla Looms and Chloe Devir stood out in defence.

The final week’s play in the abbreviated first round takes place next Tuesday, with the first week of the competition proper begins on May 23.

Scores:

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 68 (Paige Lovell 59/73, Laura Evans 4/8, Megan Cosgrove 5/9) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 41 (Naomi Fowler 13/19, Jade Shallcrass 6/6, Gemma Hika 22/28). Quarter scores (winning team first): 17-12, 21-10, 13-10, 17-9.

Harlequins Indevin 61 (Fiaali’i Solomona 43/53, Lauren Murray 8/18, Kelsee Powell 2/8, Kayla Collins 8/13) Pelorus Gill Construction 25 (Liv Pinkerton 15/23, Karli Murphy 8/21, Bonnie Morris 2/5). Quarter scores: 11-5, 13-8, 13-5, 24-7.

Marlborough Girls’ College 37 (Emily Flynn 9/11, Anel Moli 9/13, Hazel Glover 19/28) Harlequins Fairweathers 30 (Jorja Bacchus 16/21, Sophie Ridley-Scott 14/18, Aston Underwood 0/1). Quarter scores: 11-10, 12-3, 7-7, 7-10.