Nelson College for Girls Senior Gold proved too fit and fast for Marist Gold 29-14 at Saxton Stadium on Saturday.
NCG had to overcome a slow start but, after trailing early, their superior ball movement and athleticism showed through.
Shooting was an issue for both teams but NCG goal attack Fionia Brady grew during the game and her work outside the circle allowed her team more opportunities to score.
Marist centre Ngaire-Dawn Munro and her opposite Evie Walke had a good battle throughout the game.
The extra height of the schoolgirls in the shooting circle allowed them to gain more offensive rebounds.
Goal shoot Sophie Cook was the main contributor and her shooting improved as the game went on.
Marist Gold’s physicality initially paid dividends, but they faded as the game wore on.
Nelson’s speed and ability to use a structured attack with width broke down Marist Gold’s resistance.
A tight first half of the game ended and Nelson College for Girls ran away with the game to win by a more comfortable margin than seemed likely through the middle of the match.
The school team showed plenty of spirit in the early season match-up and they adjusted well to playing adults the longer the game went on.
