Tokomaru tipped to take first semi
The form book heavily favours Tokomaru when the first Marlborough premier netball semifinal is played on Tuesday evening.
The Picton-based side have forged a 3-0 record against Marlborough Girls’ College during the round-robin stages of the competition.
In round one Toko prevailed 59-37, round two 63-43 and round three 62-55.
The problem students is obvious.
They need to slow down their rivals’ steady flow of goals.
Although MGC are capable of racking up a high total, chasing 60 or more goals against a skilled defensive side such as Toko, is a tall order.
Toko will be stung by their latest result, a 67-54 loss to Harlequins, who meet SMOG HR Construction in the second semifinal on Tuesday, September 5.
With Gemma Hika, Jess Prosser and Holly Bonnington in their ranks Toko can field a potent attacking circle combination.
That should pose a threat the less-experienced college players must counter with all-court defence and careful ball retention.
MGC defenders Cerys JamesSitters, Olivia Robinson, Etelini Manoa and Hannah Dickson have facing the shown in recent weeks that they belong at premier level but there’s no doubting they will have their hands full on Tuesday.
Tash Ford, Hana Wilson and Laura Murphy provide speed and thrust in midcourt for Toko, while the athletic, intelligent defence of Tristian Taylor gives them another weapon at the back.
As always, a key player for the students will be shooter Malia Manoa, who has been in great form.
The rising star potted 43 goals from 43 attempts last week, stats Irene van Dyk would have been proud of.
If her fellow players can get her enough ball there will be no problem converting it into points. The main game begins at 8pm. It will be preceded by an intermediate premier cup game, Bohally senior A taking on the winner of the intermediate grade one.
That match begins at 7pm.