Nelson College for Girls 9A played exceptional netball in their Collegiate 1 game against Waimea College 9B at Saxton Courts on Saturday.
Indications were the game could be expected to be tight with Waimea winning the first encounter of the season by two and Nelson taking the second game by five. The blue team hit the ground running and were firing on all cylinders as they had great flow through court to feed their tall timber in the form of goal shoot, Tali Uia. Nelson played an impressive attacking game with some nice straight line play with Caroline Schurrman providing the pivotal link through court to be in front 16-7 at the major break. Nelson coach, Shar Lowe said she was more than happy with her girls – particularly with Tali who had been “converted” from a goal keep this season. Tali returned the astonishing statistics of converting all 23 of her team’s goals, missing only three for an average of 88 per cent. Goal defence Tui Kinita also came in for praise as she picked up a number of well timed intercepts in the 23-15 win.
Premier grade preview:
The final round will begin with a top of the table game between Jacks OPD and Waimea College. Both are assured a top three finish however the winner will take the direct route to the championship final. Jacks are hitting their straps with a resounding 73-43 win over Richmond on Sumday. Both teams have strength through the court and on their bench. The game will be well worth a trip to the Alison McAlpine Health & Fitness Centre.
At 7pm Richmond will play Prices Black and on present form Richmond should take maximum points however one can never discount Prices depending on the personnel available. A win will give Richmond a semi final berth, however a loss without a bonus point will mean a nervous wait for the result of the final game between Stoke NBS and Prices Pharmacy A.
Prices have bragging rights with two wins this season however Stoke NBS are keen to turn the tables.
On paper, Stoke’s offensive record should get them over the line however they are guilty of letting too many goals in at the defensive end so it would be fair to say the outcome is literally up in the air! There are a whole lot of “ifs” – if Richmond lose they need Stoke to beat Prices as they will go through to the semi final on a superior goal differential. For Prices A to make the semi they must rely on their clubmates to defeat Richmond and then beat Stoke themselves.
