Leading teams stay a head at Hagley

Press, 29 June 1987, Page 23

Leading teams stay a head at Hagley

In the first games of the second round of premier and senior netball, played at the Hagley courts, on Saturday, the leading teams maintained their supremacy.

But St Nicholas A was under constant pressure from an inspired South Brighton A side and was forced to its closest score so far this season. Premier: St Nicholas A 57, South Brighton A 51 Urgency prevailed in South Brighton’s play and it worked cohesively and determinedly to down the section leaders. St Nicholas were truly under pressure, for perhaps the first time this season, when Brighton took the lead just before half time. But the sparkling St Nicholas team increased its pace to snatch back the advantage and lead 28-25 at the break. Both sides had good representation on defence and attack, and possession was often broken by stunning interceptions. Sandra MacPherson, the South Brighton goal defence, was all over the court, finishing some penetrating work in both the goal circle and mid court, with her partner in crime, Barbara Lowe. The St Nicholas defence was also sound under the experienced master, Annette Heffernan, who was helped by the talented young goal keep, Karen Burrows. Long driving passes characterised play, and the open play was exciting to watch.

Ann Davidson and April leremia, the St Nicholas shooters, were engaged in a battle of wits for the entire game, and called on their considerable experience and accurate shooting to maintain St Nicholas’s 43-35 lead at the end of the third quarter. Although South Brighton was unable to contain St Nicholas, it would have been justifably proud of its gritty performance, and cohesive team work. Umpires: S. Cloynes, J. Woodham. Riccarton A 53, Hornby Wycola 38 Riccarton dominated this match throughout and were never cornered by Hornby Wycola. Matara Newson, the Hornby Wycola goal shoot, was considerably shorter than her counterpart, Megan Cassidy, but she was undaunted and made the most of her limited first half possession. Riccarton was without its regular goal shoot, Diana Nelis-Smith, because of a back injury, but Lee Ranfurly filled the goal shoot berth

admirably and Karen Pierce, the young goal attack, aged 14, showed considerable maturity and played intelligently. Riccarton had a strong 2816 lead at half time and, although Hornby Wycola changed its line-up in the second half, the alterations came too late to make any real impact. Christine Woodgate came on to goal keep and quickly settled into her stride. Lyn Bray the Hornby Wycola goal shoot moved from goal keep to her usual position, and Matara Newson came off.

Margaret Smith, the Hornby Wycola centre, played solidly in mid court and the Wycola side lifted its performance in the third quarter to hold Riccarton, but could not close the gap, and trailed 38-27 going into the final quarter. In the final quarter, Riccarton once again asserted itself and consolidated its game, to finally win comprehensively. Umpires: K. Norris, J. Walsh. Sacred Heart A 55, Sacred Heart B 50 Heart’s B side shook the foundations of its A team, when it chased it to a narrow margin. Julie Culhane returned to her B side after a superb performance for the A’s on Saturday in a Swiss Maid challenge match. She slotted comfortably into goal shoot and combined with Tina Jones to dominate the A’s defence combination of Lynda de Ruyter and Catherine Dailey. The A’s ran up a quick six goal lead in the first half of the game, but the B team held the score for the rest of the game. In the final stages, the score closed to within two goals and the tension mounted .but the A side desperately held its slender margin. Umpires: D. Jessett, P. Leak. Senior: Hagley A 51, Cashmere A 25 In spite of the wide margin, both sides played intelligently, but Cashmere encountered some problems finding its shooters, Virginia Faas and Judith Armstrong. The Cashmere attacks were contained effectively by some sterling work from Tania McGregor and Chris Griffiths, the Hagley defence. Hagley had a comfortable 41-21 lead at half time and continued to push its advantage. Diane Brown, the Hagley centre, played steadily in

mid court and was a dependable member of the team. Umpires: J. Allison, F. Beckham. St Nicholas B 41, Technical A 34 St Nicholas, which was back to its full strength, successfully sought revenge from Technical, who beat it 41-34 in the first round. Rebecca Millichip, the St Nicholas goal shoot, made sure of her opportunities to net accurately. At half time Technical had ground the lead to a close 1211, only to watch it slip away once more. Umpires: M. Lawes, C. Butler. St Nicholas € 56, Burnside A 46 St Nicholas won decisvely and combined effectively throughout the court to maintain a comfortable lead for the entirety of the game. Burnside rearranged its players to introduce Dena Cooper, an ex-Canterbury Country player, to goal shoot and she acquitted herself well in the goal circle for her side.

Umpires: L. Gibbs, T. Eaden.