NETBALL NEWS
Tokoroa netballers soon learnt the Fast Five netball rules on Saturday and enjoyed the extra space on the court to get the ball to the goal circle. Shooters tried their best to get some two pointers outside the goal circle. Players had loads of fun and will look forward to the competition next season. Section winners were Tokoroa Nemesis, THS A, Spartans Masters and THS Jnr A.
United Force are certainly making a mark with their high scoring games this year. United Force and Eagles were unbeaten prior to their game against each other last week. United Force was able to improve their lead in each quarter. The increase in each quarter for United Force was 4, 7, 16 and 20. The final score was 42-22.
Coach of United Force Taneta Riki was able to rotate all players during the game and they were able to maintain their structure and composure throughout the game. NancyJo Tahere was the shooter of the day scoring crucial goals and was ably supported by Te Paea Riki-Pahewa. Attack midcourters Petrice Tarrant, Leleina Tolovae made perfect ball placement to allow the shooters to get into a good position in the goal circle.
United Force defenders Makaia Riki-TeKanawa, Nicola Ratima, and Latia Wallace made the opposing attackers work hard to gain possession. United Force’s more experienced defenders Chanelle RataMakene, Juanita Shadrock and Fern Taylor provided stability and leadership in the defensive circle.
Eagles provided strong opposition for the defending champs (United Force) even though the score may not have reflected this.
The game was enjoyable for all spectators to see two highly skilled teams and competent umpires control the game.
There will be no netball over the school holidays. Primary, intermediate and senior teams will start their Bill Gray Memorial Championship games when competition restarts.
During the second week of the holidays the Tokoroa Under 17 Representative team will be competing for the first time at the National Under 17 Championships which will be held at Onewa Road courts at North Harbour.
The team is ably coached by Taneta Riki and well supported by the Tokoroa Netball Centre.
It is a great opportunity for the highly skilled Under 17 youngsters to be up against highly fancied teams in the competition.
Results of games in the National Tournament will be on the mynetball.co.nz site.
There is huge interest in most players wanting to gain the Netball NZ Theory assessment.
Many players who have completed their four practice papers are sitting the final assessment on Saturdays.
The Mangakino Hawkettes team have arranged for umpiring sessions in Mangakino and this will enable most players in their team gaining the Netball NZ qualification.
Umpiring sessions are also being held in Putaruru. This will enable players in Putaruru to gain more knowledge and also gain their umpiring qualification.
By the end of the season it hoped that over two seasons the Tokoroa Netball Centre will have over half their players with the Netball NZ qualification.