Just one premier netball match played

Premier netball returned to Stadium 2000 tonight - albeit as a limited edition.

Just one game was played in the premier league round three invitational competition, with Tokomaru Crafar Crouch taking on a Luke’s Mixed combination.

Both the other scheduled matches were cancelled due to sickness among the various teams.

In a bid to add some variety to proceedings, Marlborough Netball had invited teams to step up to premier grade for the third round, with no competition points at stake, before the four premier sides resume their battle for semi-final rankings in the fourth and final round.

The Mixed side, containing such seasoned campaigners as Luke Richardson and Shiloh Walsh, who are both members of the Nelson men’s team heading to the forthcoming nationals, plus Nick Rayner and Johnny Joseph, were always going to be a handful for their Picton-based rivals and ultimately prevailed comfortably. After an even start, with first quarter honours being shared 13-13, the Mixed side pulled away over the following three periods to win 70-39.

Tokomaru coach Raramai Mason continually tweaked her combinations, with three important fourth round games and semifinals to come. The return to regular premier play of Gemma Hika has added a new dimension to Toko’s attack, the reliable shooter’s circle movement and court craft welcome additions under the hoop.

A quartet of young defenders – Geneva Hoggard, Hannah Dickson, Kayla Bishell and Giovanna Burtenshaw – are improving week by week while Shanon McManaway, Mekah Lawrence and the Wilson twins, Kayla and Hana, provide thrust in midcourt.

Heading into the next round when competition points are again at stake, Toko would be an outside bet to make the final. However, there is surely enough talent there to prove the punters wrong.

Scores: Luke’s Mixed Team 70 (Shiloh Walsh 33/63; Luke Richardson 37/45) Tokomaru 39 (Gemma Hika 22/31; Kayla Wilson 14/21; Mekah Lawrence 3/3). Quarter scores (winning team first): 13-13, 18-10, 19-8, 20-8.