Netballing students show they are quick learners

Marlborough Girls’ College made a bold statement during tonight’s fourth round of Marlborough premier netball, downing reigning champs Tokomaru in comprehensive fashion at Stadium 2000.

After losing to Harlequins and Pelorus in the opening two rounds, despite showing potential, the students claimed their first competition points with a win over Awatere at Lansdowne Park on May 22.

Tonight they went a step further, underlining the threat they pose to the rest of the competition with a 60-42 defeat of the champion side, who have gone unbeaten against all-female opposition this season.

With the majority of the MGC team having represented the Marlborough under-18 side which competed at the Queen’s Birthday tournament in Christchurch over the long weekend, some tiredness was expected, but instead it was an energetic outfit which slowly but surely took the game away from their opponents.

Skipper Mya Wiapo led the way, her defensive work alongside Holly Feltham a feature of the match. At the other end, shooter Fiaalii Solomona quickly established her presence under the hoop and carried the brunt of the MGC attack. Goal attack Zoe Scaife was a very capable foil, their partnership beginning to pay dividends.

In midcourt, Eleri James-Sitters, Stormy Tupara and Lesieli Taufa moved the ball quickly and accurately, while hassling their rivals on defence.

Toko were far from their best, looking rusty after a two week lay-off, and missing key midcourter Kayla Wilson. However, they would have no excuses against a side who won every quarter.

Attacker Gemma Hika did her best in a losing cause, Dana Wilson worked hard at both wing attack and goal attack, while Eden Te Huki also showed her skills in a variety of positions.

The evening’s early match featured the unbeaten table-topping Pelorus side, up against Harlequins.

In an error-ridden encounter Pelorus won every quarter, albeit narrowly, to come out on top 44-34.

Pelorus fared slightly better in the possession stakes and registered a superior goal average. Karli Murphy and Meg Hocquard carried the shooting load in the first half, after which Pelorus led 34-25.

The arrival of Courtney Taufa in the second spell maintained their momentum, the Dark Blues’ skipper shooting at a tad under 90 percent.

Defensively, Riana Burger and Portia Barcello were outstanding, keeping constant pressure on the circle edge and ensuring Quins had very few easy looks at goal.

Quins got good value out of second half defensive replacement Cerys James-Sitters and goal attack Kelsee Hamilton, who is beginning to find her feet in a new team.

The night’s final match saw Awatere go down 57-46 to the Tokomaru Picton Motordrome mixed team, the Tussocks turning in a promising effort against a handy outfit.

The match was in the balance at halftime, Toko leading by a single goal, but a 16-8 third quarter settled the matter.

Haze Tepuia guested for the Toko team, shooting at 93 percent, while lofty defender Jono Ettema and the versatile Tash Ford also impressed.

Nicole Witterick stood out in midcourt for Awatere, who welcomed back Aimee Jones after maternity duties. Kimberly McCabe handled the bulk of the shooting, adding an experienced presence under the hoop.

The next round of premier play is on Saturday, at Lansdowne Park, when Quins meet Awatere, Toko play Pelorus and the mixed side take on the students.

Scores:

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 44 (Meg Hocquard 13/21, Karli Murphy 15/19, Courtney Taufa 16/18) Harlequins New World 34 (Liv Hodson 16/22, Kelsee Hamilton 18/27). Quarter scores (winning team first): 12-9, 9-7, 13-9, 10-9.

Marlborough Girls’ College NZ King Salmon 60 (Fiaalii Solomona 43/59, Zoe Scaife 16/25, Liv Matthews 1/3) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch Picton 42 (Gemma Hika 26/31, Wiri Bristowe 13/15, Dana Wilson 3/6). Quarter scores: 14-12, 16-12, 13-8, 17-10.

Tokomaru Picton Motordrome 57 (Haze Tepuia 27/29, Ricci Higgins 12/17, Tash Ford 3/5, Emilio Dell-Yaxley 15/18) Awatere Clarence River Rafting 46 (Ashley Childs 5/15, Kimberly McCabe 34/56, Aimee Jones 7/9). Quarter scores: 16-13, 13-15, 16-8, 12-10.

Standings after round four (Tokomaru Picton Motordrome not eligible for points): Pelorus 9, Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 6, MGC 6, Harlequins 3, Awatere 0.