Craighead teams clash
Craighead Diocesan School’s A team gave their B team counterparts a lesson in clinical play, with a 46-15 victory in South Canterbury premier grade netball on Saturday.
The newly promoted B side struggled against their more experienced schoolmates, but improved as the match progressed.
Craighead A led 25-8 by the end of the second quarter, largely down to accurate shooting from Harriet Robb and Alice Eddington, while captain Dana Mulcahy, who played at centre for most of the match, linked well with the rest of the side.
Craighead A coach Barry Tucker experimented with the lineup in the fourth quarter, putting on Year 9 student Maddie Lysaught at goal shoot, but by that stage, the win was pretty much assured.
The B side had their moments. Grace Williams, at goal attack, made the most of her limited opportunities, while Renee Olley, at goal keep, hustled well on defence.
Tucker was pleased with the determination of both sides.
‘‘It’s always tricky coming up against your own schoolmates, but I think both sides came out of that match with a lot of credit,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Old Boys A battled a determined Pleasant Point to win 36-26.
Old Boys led 17-15 at halftime but strong play in midcourt, particularly from Jose Zandbergen at centre, and consistent shooting from Lindsay Anderson and Koto Bakani sealed the win. Coach Mark Milmine said he was pleased with how the side clicked when it mattered.
‘‘There’s always a bit of a rivalry between us and Pleasant Point, so it’s good to see both sides play some good, solid netball,’’ he said. ‘‘We just got the basics right.’’ Old Boys led 11-4 after the first quarter, as Pleasant Point made too many unforced errors in midcourt. However, Jemma Bower, at centre, and Carly Hackett, at wing attack, began to combine well and Anneka Clark’s improved accuracy at goal shoot brought them back into the match.
The third and fourth quarters were played at a fast clip, but Old Boys’ superior fitness proved the difference.
In the premier court’s other matches, Mackenzie College Old Girls overcame a young Timaru Girls’ High side 41-18, while Har- lequins strolled past Roncalli to win 48-22.
Mackenzie College Old Girls were much improved after last week’s somewhat stuttering effort against Geraldine, particularly centre Sarah Milne, who made several crucial interceptions. TGHS’ coach rightly singled out Leann McKenzie’s enthusiastic performance at goal, but the side’s inexperience was obvious at times.