Teams at top of table to clash

It’s just another week in netball.

That’s how Tysons East captain Tiaan Taylor is preparing for the top-of-the-table clash in the Bayleys Premier Netball League tonight.

The six-time defending champions play Inglewood, who have a seven-point lead and a game in-hand heading into the last round of grading. Both teams are unbeaten, and Tysons have only retained three players from last season. Taylor said Inglewood will be the toughest competition for the team so far this season when they meet at the TET Stadium in Stratford at 6.45pm.

‘‘And we know they have a strong midcourt which we look to combat with some strong one-on-one defence,’’ she said.

Tysons’ shooting circle has been in form this year, with Connie Clement and Amber Ormond shooting at a very high percentage.

Taylor credited the shooters and defender Dominic Williams-Riding. ‘‘He has started the season in fantastic form and continues to grow. He takes on everything that is being said and has built a great connection with Brook [Neilson] in our defensive circle.’’

Inglewood coach Sam Burkhart said the team trained well during the week and they are ready for what Tysons will bring.

Burkhart knows the shooters hardly miss and said Tysons bring a very skilful level of physicality. To win the match, Inglewood need to focus for the game’s entirety.

‘‘So far in the competition it has been easy to get away with having a slow patch, but against a team like Tysons we will have to be ready to play the full 60 minutes.’’

In other premier one matches, Naumai host Stratford/Eltham at the TSB Hub in Ha¯wera at 6.45pm.

Stratford/Eltham won their second game last week, while Naumai have lost three matches from four outings.

New Plymouth Girls’ High School will want to finish their premier one season on a high when they play New Plymouth Old Boys in the later game at TET Stadium. Girls’ High haven’t picked up a win and are looking down the barrel of relegation into premier two. Old Boys won one match in grading.

Naumai look to be promoted from premier three after they lead the league. They will host The Locals tonight.

Bell Block play Inglewood before playing in a catch-up game in Waitara tomorrow night and Ha¯wera High School host Stratford/ Eltham.

In premier two, Inglewood, Sacred Heart Girls’ College and Raukura are fighting for promotion into premier one. Only two points separate the three teams.

Tomorrow, Sacred Heart will go head-tohead with Raukura at Whai Tapuwae No¯ Rongo in Waitara at 7pm, while in Stratford, Inglewood play Tukapa and Inglewood High School play Tysons West.

Full draws and results can be found on the Netball Taranaki website.