Nelson College for Girls goal shoot, Abbey Franklin, pulls down a pass at Saxton Field over the weekend. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.

Netballers back in action

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While netballers had ordered a fine weekend for the annual Geraldine Hodgson Tournament, most pundits would have been hard pushed to think the sun would be shining, considering the weather forecast.

However, in true “GH Tournament” weather conditions, a successful tournament came to pass.

Thirty teams competed in five grades over the two days. As there were only four entries in the A Grade, the teams played only on Sunday. A round robin was played with four quarters of ten minutes. Central Men from Blenheim  won the grade, as they swept all before them with their physical presence and sheer speed through court. While Jacks OPD had the experience of the Mainland Super Club competition some weeks ago, Sunday’s games were another opportunity to fine-tune their roster.  Coach Robyn Leonard was happy with the progress of her players. She saw them adjust to the different dynamics within their team, and “dig themselves out of situations”. While mid-courter Tineil Stevenson played her good steady game, and defender Anna Miles  gave 100 per cent throughout, it was debutant Lucy Ingam who came in for special praise. Lucy moved really nicely, presented strongly and displayed a variety of passes. Jacks went on to defeat Prices Pharmacy A and Prices Pharmacy Black, to finish second.

Prices A had the minimum seven players at their disposal and coach Mandy Whiting said they played well. While game time has been limited, the team had been concentrating on fitness training to date. The team’s performances showed promise for the forthcoming season, given the fact that there are a number of new recruits.

Prices Black coach Jane Andrew, says there were a number of “good things” that came out of the day’s play. It was pretty daunting for some as they made their Premier debuts. Bex Watene, more accustomed to a shooting role, made an excellent transition to the GD bib and looked to be establishing a formidable partnership with Paige Pointon.  Sixteen year old, Ariana Te Kawa – Wiremu handled her step up to the elite grade with aplomb.

Nelson College for Girls had the perfect record when they went through round robin play undefeated. The college team defeated Stoke in the semi final 19-13 on the back of some superb shooting by Abbey Franklin. Abbey displayed increased strength, maturity and accuracy to dominate the offensive third, while Ellie Bell was a dynamic feeder who drove to consistently hit the circle edge to provide quality ball for her shooters. Kea McGuinnetty at wing defence, caused havoc on the outside of the circle. Youngsters Charlotte Timms and Helen Dale put in creditable performances as they put up their hands as a “pick me” to coach Kathryn Orange.

After a mediocre first half, the score was locked at 4 all when Nelson met Garin College in the final.  A number of positional changes paid off and Nelson came away with the B Grade as they pulled out to a 14-7 win.

Huia won the C grade and Rival Jade took out the D and E Grade.