Scorelines close as premier netball sides do battle

The upcoming Marlborough premier semifinals are set to be thrilling affairs if last night’s games at Stadium 2000 are an indication.

The four sides most likely to meet in the forthcoming play-offs produced a couple of arm wrestles, Pelorus and Marlborough Girls’ College eventually coming out on top, while their rivals both bagged bonus points.

Pelorus took on defending champs Tokomaru Crafar Crouch in the evening’s early match and produced a stunning comeback to take the honours 37-36 in the final seconds.

After a low-scoring first quarter, Toko took control of the early stages, shooters Gemma Hika and Kayla Wilson on target to push their side to a 23-13 advantage at halftime.

Although looking down the barrel of their first loss to an all-female side this season, Pelorus made some personnel changes and clawed their way back, Katie Bradley coming into the game at WA and Portia Barcello taking the GD bib.

By three quarter time Pelorus had narrowed the deficit to five, and continued their recovery in the final stanza, GA Karli Murphy leading the way with a top shooting display while their defence restricted Toko to just nine goal attempts in the final 15 minutes.

As time ticked by, Pelorus drew level, Meg Hocquard landing a pressure goal. From the restart, Toko were pulled up for breaking and it was left to Murphy to nail the winning shot as her team mates roared encouragement.

Toko backed up their strong effort against their club mates last week with another bold showing. The return of Hana Wilson added experience to the mid court, while Taylor Catchpole at centre is a promising newcomer. Wiri Bristowe and Chloe Devir stood out on defence.

The MGC v Harlequins match was tipped to be close and so it proved.

Scores were level at the three-quarter mark as both sides tried to forge a meaningful advantage, but it was the students who came home stronger to prevail 49-46, led by GS Fiaalii Solomona who again carried the bulk of the shooting duties, landing 37 of her 45 shots.

The introduction of centre Eleri James-Sitters in the second quarter provided spark for MGC, while Mele Moli at WA and fellow middie Stormy Tupara continue to improve at this level.

In defence, Mya Wiapo was outstanding, preying on any loose passes and hunting out with success.

Quins got good value from WA Ella Donald, GA Simone Pederson who showed her versatility with a top shooting effort, and GD Olivia Robinson.

Although they were run down in the finishing straight this time, Quins showed they will be a real threat come play-off time, especially with the impending return of Kelsee Hamilton.

With no points at stake, the evening’s other match was between Awatere and Tokomaru Picton Motordrome, who prevailed 79-39 in a free-flowing affair.

The Toko crew dominated the first three quarters, throwing the ball around and scoring freely. Awatere slowed them down in the final quarter, dominating possession to come away with a late confidence boost.

GK Eden Te Huki, WD Paige Materoa and lofty GD Emilio Dell Yaxley stood out for the victors, while shooter Emma Pilcher plus the livewire Ashley Childs and WA Tori McCulloch were prominent for the Tussocks.

Scores

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 37 (Paige Lovell 7/12, Karli Murphy 22/25, Meg Hocquard 8/13) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch Picton 36 (Gemma Hika 24/29, Kayla Wilson 12/16). Quarter scores (winning team first): 7-9, 6-14, 12-7, 12-6.

Tokomaru Picton Motordrome 79 (Ricci Higgins 36/53, Luke Richardson 24/30, Shiloh Walsh 19/25) Awatere Clarence River Rafting 39 (Kimberly McCabe 27/40, Emma Pilcher 10/15, Ashley Childs 2/7). Quarter scores (winning team first): 22-10, 20-7, 24-10, 13-12.

Marlborough Girls’ College NZ King Salmon 49 (Fiaalii Solomona 37/45, Zoe Scaife 12/20) Harlequins New World 46 (Simone Pedersen 24/31, Liv Hodson 22/35). Quarter scores (winning team first): 8-12, 14-8, 14-16, 13-10.

Third round standings: Pelorus 6, MGC 6, Harlequins 1, Tokomaru  1, Awatere 0.