Wairarapa College goal shoot Maggie Shields, left, in action against Harcourts on Saturday. PHOTO/FILE
NETBALL
Harcourts pieced together an impressive fourth quarter to overcome a dogged Wairarapa College on Saturday and remain unbeaten in the 2022 premier one championship.
In an even contest through the first three quarters, Harcourts found an extra gear and a steely attitude to eventually come away with a 61-52 victory and their fifth straight win of the season.
Both teams were below their best in the first quarter with unforced errors limiting their ability to turn possession into points.
While general play improved during the next two quarters, the result was very much up for grabs at the start of the final period. It was here that Harcourts’ experience and maturity showed through.
Despite missing key players in the midcourt and at the shooting end of the court, Harcourts made the necessary adjustments to take charge of the contest.
Harcourts captain Katie Alsop was particularly pleased with the contributions made by players stepping into the breach in such an important match.
“We had so many players out. Hope Phillips hasn’t played for a season and did extremely well in her first game back, considering she hadn’t been on court for such a long time.
We also benefitted from having Geraldine Carrol slot into wing defence in the fourth quarter. Her experience helped us to settle down when we really needed to.’’
Alsop also had praise for her shooters, Wiki Davidson and Vyktah Tamihana, who she said maintained their poise when the game was hanging in the balance and when some calls didn’t go their way.
The win over the 2021 champions sets Harcourts up to finish the first phase of the season in good shape before a two-week break to coincide with the school holidays.
“We have relied on largely the same lineup for quite a while, so to win against Waicol with a different mix of players gives our wider squad plenty of confidence they we can play well, regardless of who is on court,’’ Alsop said.
In other matches on Saturday, Jo Kelly and Co Carterton Maroon were too strong for Gladstone, leading throughout in a 43-26 victory. Celtic had the edge on Greytown, who have yet to register a win this season, 44-33.
Standings: Harcourts 20 points, Carterton Maroon 14, Wairarapa College 13, Celtic 8, Gladstone 4, Greytown 0.
