N.Z. struggles to win netball

Press, 1 May 1978, Page 3

N.Z. struggles to win netball

New Zealand struggled to a one-goal victory, 29-28, over Trinidad and Tobago in the second netball test at Christchurch on Saturday and thus won the series, 1-0. Both teams played with considerable spirit and determination, countering the high winds with a commendable level of ball skills. Trinidad and Tobago had the advantage of the first centre throw-off but this | was quickly nullified by a i brilliant mid-court interiception from New Zealand’s goal attack. Maxine Blomquist, which swung play into the New Zealand forward court — however, no score resulted. The score was finally opened by the visitors who used effective bounce passes to give them more control in the windy conditions. Soon after, Yvonne Willering (goal defence) anticipated the loose ball and gave the national side its chance to equalise. Trinidad’s forwards, Ingrid Blackman and Jean Pierre, continued to use an almost rolling bounce pass in its goal circle and it took a little time for New Zealand’s defences, Willering and Marilyn Munro, to counter this. Literally scooping the ball off the ground, New Zealand gained possession and went ahead 11-8 after a fine patch of scoring.

It was several minutes into the second quarter before either team could penetrate the tight defence at both ends of the court. But a spectacular shot from Pierre lifted Trinidad’s play and it began to dominate with beautiful ball control.

The captain, Cherrill Peters, delighted the crowd with her long one-handed passes which sent the ball on its way to the Trinidad circle where "Munro and Willering were working tirelessly.

It was a slow scoring quarter but Trinidad deservedly picked up three vital goals and at the end of the quarter New Zealand held a slender one-goal advantage. At this stage the game began to take on a different complexion.

Trinidad opened strongly at the start of the third quarter and after using very short, quick passes the attack, Ingrid Blackman, was able to position herself for an easy shot. Her supreme accuracy took Trinidad into a lead which it held for most of the quarter.

With New Zealand trailing by tour goals, Willering and Manning redoubled their efforts and tightened the defence. Both seemed bewildered with the short pass ruling. A player must have time to move between the hands of the thrower and

hands of the receiver at the moment the ball is passed.

The different interpretations of this rule led to confusion among spectators and players alike but by the end of te quarter New Zealand was back in front at 25-24. In the final quarter both umpires dominated the game, giving players little chance to execute a flowing move through the court. To the chagrin of the crowd the whistle continually stopped play. Leigh Mills lost possession by contact and for Trinidad, the goal keeper, Jennifer Williams. gave away the ball through obstruction. For New Zealand, Marilyn Munro’s sure two-handed rebounds saved many certain goals and with some fine shooting by Margaret Kamona New Zealand held a useful four-goal lead. In the last few minutes Trinidad applied pressure throughout the court and the slim margin was soon reduced. "However, time ran out with New Zealand still one goal ahead and the captain, Lyn Parker, jubilantly threw her hands in the air at New Zealand’s victory in the test series.

The umpires were Miss Dawn Jones (New Zealand) and Mrs June St Hill (Trinidad and Tobago).