Tokomaru claim netball points

Only one competition game was played at Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 tonight, Tokomaru Crafar Crouch easily accounting for Awatere 69-33.

The Picton-based crew dominated the evening’s early match from the outset, winning all four quarters comfortably. Fronting up with just seven players, the defending champions’ attacking end worked smoothly, midcourters Dana Wilson and Elen Barr feeding quality ball into shooters Gemma Hika, who again produced a high-class display with 51 goals from 61 attempts, and Kayla Wilson, whose circle movement shook off the attention of taller defenders.

Wing defence Chloe Devir also stood out, on both attack and defence, while GK Wiri Bristowe soldiered on after taking an early knock.

Awatere began the game with four Ryans in action - Harriet and Georgia in the defensive circle, sister Claudia at centre and cousin Courtney at wing defence. While there was, as usual, no shortage of effort from the Tussocks, they gave up too many turnovers to remain close on the scoreboard.

Showing their resilience, their best quarter was the final 15 minutes, GD Harriet Ryan and GS Emma Pilcher stepping up at either end of the court.

The evening’s late game, between combined side Tokomaru Picton Motordrome and Harlequins, turned into a torrid battle, decided in the final few hectic minutes.

Quins led for the majority of the match, earning a great opportunity to end Toko’s unbeaten run this season. However, the combined side showed their class and poise in the final moments, getting their nose in front and staying there.

Toko used three shooters, Ricci Higgins and Luke Richardson starting, then the impressive Emilio Dell-Yaxley entering the fray for the final two quarters. The trio all had their radar well and truly working, meaning that, although Quins created a string of turnovers, Toko’s high conversion rate kept the scoreline close.

Jess Ettema worked hard in midcourt, along with Paige Materoa, while Shilo Walsh also stood out with some telling passes.

Quins will take heart from this effort. Led by experienced campaigners Kelly West and Bridget Gane, they showed that they will be there or thereabout at finals time.

Kelsee Hamilton was particularly consistent at goal attack, landing 38 of her 44 attempts, before going off injured in the fourth quarter, while defenders Olivia Robinson and Cerys James-Sitters battled gainfully against some lofty opposition.

Scores

Tokomaru Picton Motordrome 57 (Ricci Higgins 16/23, Luke Richardson 17/19, Emilio Dell-Yaxley 24/28) Harlequins New World 55 (Kelsee Hamilton 38/44, Simone Pedersen 9/18, Liv Hodson 8/13). Quarter scores (winning team first): 13-17, 14-13, 16-18, 14-7.

Tokomaru Crafar Crouch Picton 69 (Gemma Hika 51/61, Kayla Wilson 18/23) Awatere Clarence River Rafting 33 (Kimberly McCabe 15/26, Ashley Childs 7/11, C Irvine 2/4, Emma Pilcher 9/17). Quarter scores: 14-6, 19-9, 20-6, 16-12.

Standings: Pelorus 12, MGC 8, Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 6, Harlequins 3, Awatere 0.