Central netballers first win dedicated to new arrival
Central Sports dedicated their first win in Hawke's Bay's Super 8 club netball competition tonight to former captain Anna Catley who had her first baby on Monday.
"Yes that's for Anna," Vet Services Central Sports coach Jeanette Oliver said after her side beat Optimise Physio Outkast Sports 37-36 in Taradale's Pettigrew-Green Arena.
Catley, who won't be playing this season and hubby Stu, one of the Bay's top ranked rugby referees welcomed Oliver Stuart into the world. Coach Oliver pointed out the victory was proof her side had the potential to secure the fourth spot come semifinal time.
"We've got a new-look squad with only two of last year's team taking the court tonight. But I was impressed with the fight they displayed," Oliver said.
Outkast led 10-7 after the first quarter and 19-16 at halftime. Central led 28-27 going into the final quarter.
Gutsy Central goal shoot Kirby Beach finished with a 67% success rate but she sunk some crucial long range attempts. Midcourter Jessie Prichard shone with her feeding and Oliver had every right to praise the defensive work of her entire squad.
Player-coach Jeda Bartlett was tireless in both the centre and winge attack positions for Outkast.
The action was just as exciting on the adjacent court as unbeaten defending champions Napier Girls' High School Senior A pipped BM Accounting HHSOG Huia 40-39. Before the match Huia coach and former Silver Fern Irene van Dyk promised a stellar performance from her troops and they delivered.
She knew Huia could stick with NGHS if they didn't let them get a flying start and that was definitely the case. NGHS led 11-9 after the first quarter and 24-17 at halftime.
Going into the final quarter NGHS led 33-30.
NGHS coach Charissa Barham agreed it was a match which could have gone either way. Her team put up 58 attempts at goal while Huia put up 56.
Super sub Jessica Taylor, who was used in the goal shoot and goal attack positions shot 91% for NGHS.
Goal keep Tee Aiolupotea, who played for Samoa at the 2015 World Cup, was an inspirational defender for Huia. All of van Dyk's players deserve praise for their defensive effort.
Her daughter, goal shoot Bianca van Dyk sunk 19 of her 25 attempts for a 76% success rate.
The early games were predictable affairs with Thirsty Whale Otane Force beating Hastings Girls' High School Senior A 69-35 and Tremains All In Elusive beating House of Travel Havelock North Kauri 66-42. Briar Chalmers was outstanding for Otane in both the wing defence and centre positions and secured easy intercepts for her team.
Otane goal shoot Millie Ironside sunk 53 of her 62 attempts. All In goal shoot Pania Rowe succeeded with 55 of her 66 attempts for an 83% success rate.
