CLUB NETBALL: Heart-stopper draw for Tauranga Sports after sluggish start

Tauranga Sports Cornerstone netball team are similar to an old diesel truck - it takes them a while to warm up but once they fire they're unstoppable.
It took the Tauranga side the first quarter in the match against top of the table team Arataki Bayfair Tavern before they could establish forward momentum and rhythm.
In the final game of round two of the Harbourside premier netball competition, the Arataki side shot out of the gates and it looked like a huge win could be posted. But as the Tauranga machine warmed, the score levelled then seesawed throughout the following three quarters, keeping supporters from both camps on the edge of their seats.
Eventually there was nothing separating the two teams with the final whistle seeing both on 45 goals each.
After the game Tauranga captain Nicky Schraft was first to admit the team's warm-up routine was far from ideal.
"It's just our start again - it takes a while for us to warm up," she said.
Schraft had a good game at goal attack combining well with the sides shooter Jill Weldon.
Schraft praised the Arataki side and their strong drives through the court.
Arataki manager Janey Horne said the team had let themselves down through the mid-court and were missing some key players due to injury and other commitments.
The side's game plan had been to win each quarter but Tauranga's strong come back stymied those.
"Our shooters were a little bit off but we will take the draw," Horne said. The win saw Arataki take round two honours with Logotech coming in second and Tauranga Sports in third place.
However, the slate will be wiped clean for the start of the championship round that begins next week and teams will be aiming to field their best sides.
In Thursday night's game Arataki ended the first quarter six goals ahead of their rivals, with an unanswered six-goal run being a feature. Keen to claw back some point Tauranga Sports were quick to slot a few goals to close the gap to a one goal difference (24-23) at the half time break.
Tauranga's Carol Gardiner sat at the first half but came on as centre for the second spell. More accustomed to shooting the goals, Gardiner easily adapted to the mid-court and proved to be a strong link.
Tauranga sneaked into the lead 33-31 after the third quarter.
The final quarter was a goal for goal duel, with either side unable to pull away.
Tauranga goalkeep Chevy Tana had a strong game as did Sonya Thompson. For Arataki, Takiiri Butler performed at centre while Kim Horne at wing defence intercepted a number of passes.
Results: Senior Premier 1: Cavaliers 47 bt Rangiuru Te Whanau 36; Logo Tech 53 bt Maheatataka 47; Arataki Bayfair Tavern 45 drew with Tauranga Sports Cornerstone 45; Senior Premier 2: Mt Sports One Professionals 63 bt Greerton Marist Accolade Angels 23; Nga Papaka 60 bt Rangiuru Angels 43; Judea Pumas 29 bt Legendz 27 Senior Premier 3: Talisman 48 bt Drifters 45; Rangataua Papaka's 47 bt Arataki 41; Mt SportsTwo 36 bt Mt SportsThree 22