Girls’ High cut down the mistakes in the third quarter. They slowed down their play, were steadier in their passing and worked together in defence to peg back the deficit and take a 32-29 lead into the last stanza.
They continued their solid, patient play in the last 15, worked the ball nicely into their students and built on their advantage.
Shooter Jamie Rika played well. She reeled in some high lobs, collected rebounds and finished well — producing impressive shooting statistics.
Kassie Owen moved from shooter to wing attack after halftime and delivered pinpoint ball into the shooters, particularly lobs into Rika.
Both teams made some great tips and intercepts, delighting their enthusiastic supporters.
The defensive units — Joaquina Kaa, Skye Huhu and Piper Glass-Donaldson for Girls’ High; and Meri Rauna and Toni Halley for YMP — were strong, hunting the ball at every opportunity and picking up several intercepts.
The quarter progress scores illustrated Horouta’s dominance over Ngatapa — 15/5, 30/11 and 42/20.
Both sides took a little while to settle, with the ball going up and down the court without goals being scored.
Halfway through the first quarter Horouta Koura led 5-1 and once they got into their rhythm, they pulled away.
Attacking pair Ngahuria Akania and Paare Ahuriri-Leach, stepped up, delivering the ball into space for their teammates to move on to at speed and then deliver to shooters Lexi Rutene and O’Shae Rangihaeata.
The entire Horouta team were a wall across the centre and goal third. It limited Ngatapa’s options, creating held ball situations or the ball carrier having to pass high which opened up the opportunities for intercepts — which Lucretia Taitapanui did extremely well in the goal circle.
Halftime changes for Horouta Koura didn’t alter the flow of their play.
Farmlands Ngatapa made changes as well but struggled under the constant pressure put on them.
Centre Lucy Deighton worked tirelessly, driving through the middle to the top of the goal circle and linking both ends.
Hannah Hutchinson at goal defence made some timely intercepts which were converted into goals.
Other grade results (*bonus point for scoring within 3 goals) — Prem Reserve/A Grade: Down to Earth Natural Health OG Whangara 40 Waikohu P2 27, YMP Masters 32
GGHS Snr B 26, FarmCare HSOG 32 Horouta Taimana 26, Whalis 48 Claydens Waikohu 2 28, HSOG 30 The Tav Sportsfit 25.
A Reserve: GGHS Jnr A 34 Campion Snr A 32*, YMP Hine Taiohi Whakato 41 Tyre General Ngatapa 20, Steve Craill Builder Ngatapa 32 ATS OBM Blue 16.
1st Grade: Claydens Waikohu 4 44 Uawa Ngarangikahiwa 26, Brendan Fry Builders Sportsfit OG 36 OBM White 8, Horouta Hiriwa 25 Mike Pero Mortgages Thistle Storm 22*.
1st Reserve: OBM OG 27 GGHS Tuakana 15, Whatatutu 23 Allwood Enterprises HSOG 16, XLR8 29 Uawa Nui 8.
2nd Grade: Horouta Kohatu 24 Gis Glass Ngatapa 24, YMP Manawanui 31 Tatapouri Sportsfit Social 19.
