SMOG book spot in semis
The fourth semifinalist for the Marlborough premier netball playoffs has been found.
In a closely-fought encounter at Marlborough Lines Stadium on Tuesday, SMOG Hamish Ryan Construction got up to beat Pelorus Speight’s Ale House 50-45.
Both teams were battling for the final place in the semis, joining Harlequins Radich Law, SMOG Bayleys and Marlborough Girls’ College for a shot at the 2016 title.
A Pelorus win would have brought Tokomaru Crafar Crouch into the equation, leaving all three sides tied on three points, but it wasn’t to be.
SMOG had their work cut out though. The scores were tied at the end of both the first and second quarters as the sides attempted unsuccessfully to put some scoreboard space between themselves and their rivals. In fact, the widest points spread came at the final whistle.
Both shooting circles worked efficiently in the first half. The SMOG duo of Rebecca Eddie and Donna Ryan shot accurately and working the angles expertly, while Anna Hewson and Louise Walker did the same at the other end.
SMOG midcourter Megan Cosgrove continued to impress after arriving midway through the season, showing athleticism and a keen eye for a feeding opportunities.
Holly King-Turner and Shona Cook stood out for Pelorus, keeping the ball flowing into the circle, while wing defence Vicki Vaka was worked hard in the first half.
With the scores locked up at halftime it was anyone’s game, and Pelorus blinked first. A few missed shots and some errant passes allowed SMOG to forge a three goal lead by three quarter time, which they extended to five at the final whistle.
As the game wore on SMOG’s defensive unit of Tracey Moanaroa, Serena MacDougall and Jackie Smith began to exert more influence and forced some crucial turnovers.
Pelorus defender Danielle Moffat did the same in the other circle, and snatched some vital rebounds.
Unfortunately for her side, who have made vast improvement since being relegated after round one and promoted after round two, they were unable to close another tight game out.
The final game of the third round will be played at Marlborough Lines Stadium, starting at 9.30am on Saturday morning.
Leading contenders Harlequins and SMOG Bayleys will do battle for round three honours and the top qualifying position for the play-offs.
The winner will play SMOG HRC in one semifinal, while the loser will meet Marlborough Girls’ College.