NETBALL: Experience tells in victory for Tauranga

It was fast. It was physical.
But after an hour-long hard-fought netball match it was the experienced Tauranga Cornerstone team that claimed victory over Arataki Bayfair Tavern in the third round of the Harbourside senior premier netball competition.
Tauranga, packed full of former Bay of Plenty representatives, don't spend much time practising but when they hit the court for competition their collective experience tells.
Captain Nicky Schrafft said the team worked well during the game but when Arataki picked up the pace in the second quarter that was when the going got tough.
"We just had to slow it down to our pace and we found our rhythm again and moved forward from there," Schrafft said after the win.
Tauranga held a five point lead after the first quarter. But Arataki came out blazing in the second quarter to trail by 25-28 at half time.
Schrafft at goal attack combined easily with former Wellington representative and New Zealand triallist goal shoot Jill Weldon. Together they worked the ball round the circle and past the tenacious Arataki defence pairing of Megan Adler and Kim Horne.
Tauranga's wing attack Ezra Tocker drove the ball hard through the centre court and into the shooters.
Not to be outdone Arataki wing attack Riini Hurkmans was strong for her side. Schrafft stepped down at halftime with team newcomer and former Hawke's Bay representative Carol Gardiner moving in at goal attack.
"She has slotted into the team really well and it's great to have another attacking player in our line up," Schrafft said.
Gardiner was happy to put the ball up from wide out and helped Tauranga to an eight point lead (40-32) at the end of the third quarter.
Arataki's shooting line up of player-coach Wai Emery and Lee Bartlett found it hard under tight marking from Tauranga's Rena Edwards and Kyra Murcott.
Emery was philosophical about the loss.
"We just weren't driving through the mid-court and then finishing off. It's that simple."
They won the second quarter (13 goals to 11) but just did not have enough momentum to overtake their opponents.
Tight marking throughout saw bodies falling to the court on numerous occasions.
In the final quarter stray passes from both sides saw a number of turn overs and shooting opportunities squandered by both teams.
However, Tauranga drew on experience and flew to a 56-43 win.
Logotech made it three wins from three with a 54-37 win over Mount Sports. They lead the competition from Maheatataka, who beat Rangiuru Te Whanau 70-42.
Cavaliers and Accolade Angels maintained their unbeaten record in the premier two division, with Cavaliers comfortably disposing of Judea Pumas 61-31 and Accolade Angels beating Arataki 52-29.
Rangataua Papakas and Nga Papaka lead the premier three division, with both teams unbeaten