Leana Malcolm, WD, attacks the ball. GA Abby Scott is in support. PHOTOS/JADE CVETKOV
NETBALL
CHRIS COGDALE
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The new-look Jo Kelly and Co Carterton Maroon signalled they are serious contenders for the Netball Wairarapa Premier One Championship with a controlled 48-43 victory over defending champions Wairarapa College on Saturday.
The result and the progress of the team pleased Carterton coach Julie Malcolm, given that most of last season’s squad have moved on or are unavailable.
“I knew Waicol would be a tough game, but I think we are very well positioned at this point,” said Malcolm, who was impressed with the calmness displayed by her team.
“The key for us was we played a very smart and controlled game. Just on attack we didn’t throw anything away and we maintained possession.
“In previous games we had thrown balls that weren’t quite on but for me I was really proud at how calm we were out there.”
Carterton led for most of the game, building a 10-goal lead in the final quarter before Waicol showed their fighting qualities and reduced the margin to five goals.
“They kept coming at us, and they kept fighting but we just kept our cool,” she said.
Malcolm said wing defence Leana Malcolm and goal defence Paris Potangaroa had impressive games in shutting down Waicol’s attacking threat, while goal shoot Bailee Potangaroa also stood out in her first game back after suffering a ruptured Achilles last season.
“Bailee played incredibly well and probably brought that sense of calm at the attacking end,” Malcolm said.
Harcourts maintained their unbeaten start to the championship with a comfortable 54-33 win over Greytown Holmes Construction, and Celtic got their first win, with a 49-38 defeat of Gladstone Gladiators.
In Premier Two Jo Kelly and Co Carterton Rebels were too good for Opaki Vixens 33-18, and Jo Kelly and Co Carterton Legends were 34-29 victors over St Matthew’s.
Premier one points
Wairarapa College 13; Harcourts, Jo Kelly and Co Carterton Maroon 12; Celtic, Gladstone Gladiators 4; Greytown Holmes Construction 0.
