Thirsty Whale defeated
Perennial champions Thirsty Whale tane were defeated 55-48 by the Napier Girls’ High Senior Ateam in the Super 8 final of Hawke’s Bay Netball’s premier competition on Friday night.
The first high school team to win the competition in its history, the Annemarie Kupacoached schoolgirls’ teammight have signalled a new order with the victory in front of a robust crowd at the Pettigrew-Green Arena, Taradale.
Captain Valentine Kahukura, battling the effects of tonsilitis, epitomised the steely resolve of NGHS who established a seven-goal lead in the first quarter and didn’t relinquish it. They led 17-10 and went into halftimewith a handsome 32-23 margin. They put in a 43-36 statement in the third quarter before closing at 55-48.
tane didn’t drop their shoulders, winning the third quarter 13-11 and drawing the last 12-12, but it was too little, too late.
NGHS player Janaya Preece shot 93 per cent and didn’tmiss in the second half when the pressure mounted.
tane’s Pania Rowe came in at 89 per cent, missing only one attempt in the last three quarters but failingwith four shots in the first spell.
The Tammy Kupa-coached tane got five in a row in the third quarter, reeling it back to 39-31.
The only player who will not be in theNGHSmix next season, Kahukurawas immensely proud of her teammates. The year 13 boarder from Wairoa was unwell but never entertained the thought of not playing last night.
“I was going to play no matter what,” said the 17-yearold goal keep. “I’ve had it [tonsilitis] a couple of times this season but it was the first time I’ve actually played while Iwas recovering.”
Kahukura, who felt lethargic throughout the game, said they had battled jangled nerves throughout the game, despite coach Annemarie emphasising the two-pronged importance of attacking and staying calm.
“There was an uneasiness throughout the game because of the number of people who turned out to watch us play.”
Annemarie, a former tane stalwart who was up against twin sister Tammy, was proud of the schoolgirls, including her daughter, Parris Petera.
tane skipper Briar Chalmers said everyone expected tane to prevail but they had a new-look side and missed the services of expectant mother Becky Kupa, as well as sister Tammy for a good part of the season.
“We just had too many turnovers. When we had the ball, we didn’t treasure it enough,” said Chalmers, the Woodford House sports coordinator.
The 28-year-old goal defence, who coached NGHS in 2015, said there was even support from fans.
Earlier, Outkast Optimise Physio beat All In Elusive 56-44 in the third-place playoff.
Outkast made its move in the second quarter, doubling the score to 18-9. All In player Imke Kitchinwas the highest scorer, claiming 521 goals.