GGHS, Ngatapa staying put

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

THE make-up of the Gisborne premier grade netball competition remains unchanged from last year after Gisborne Girls’ High Senior A and Farmlands Ngatapa saw off A-grade challengers on Saturday.

Following midweek wins over A-grade sides Taiki and Whalis in the YMCA, Girls High and Ngatapa both won again in the crossover games on the Victoria Domain courts.

Girls’ High beat Whalis 59-33 and Ngatapa defeated Taiki 54-50.

The Gisborne Netball Centre board met that afternoon to finalise the grade make-ups for the 2016 senior competition.

“Girls’ High had two convincing wins over the A grade challengers and so solidified themselves as the sixth seeds in our premier competition,” said centre manager Allisa Hall.

“Ngatapa had a close win over Taiki after a big win over Whalis last Wednesday night.

Confirmed position in premier grade“They also confirmed their position in the premier grade.

“Taiki’s position was deliberated over carefully but although the loss to Ngatapa was close, they suffered a large defeat against Girls’ High,” she said.

“Also, their round one wins over the other A grade teams were not substantial enough to justify promotion to premier.”

Taiki and Whalis remain in the A grade.

“Tatapouri Sportsfit had two convincing wins on Saturday so they have been promoted to A grade,” Hall said.

“Te Aowera challenged and had a win and a loss, but results were so close they will stay in A reserve.”

YMP (2) and GGHS (2) were relegated to A reserve.

“First grade contenders Thistle Spirit had two wins as well on Saturday and so they have been promoted to A reserve.”

Rovers, Whangara OG (2) and Claydens Waikohu 2 all remain in the 1st grade.

“Ngai Tamanuhiri were the strongest of the 1st reserve contenders so they will join them to make the final 1st grade team,” Hall said.

“Allwood Enterprises HSOG, Lytton Jr A and Tawhiti will all be in our 1st reserve grade.”

Two convincing wins promote OBM MastersOBM Masters challenged from 2nd grade and their two convincing wins saw them promoted to 1st reserve.

“YMP Manawanui and Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ngatapa will be relegated to 2nd grade and Innes St Panelbeaters HSOG will also remain there.”

Hall said the board was most impressed with the challenge matches.

“We are confident all teams have been placed into grades that will see a fair, competitive season ahead. We wish all teams the best.”

The first premier match-ups will be on Wednesday night in the YMCA.

IMS HSOG play Ngatapa at 6pm, followed by Claydens Waikohu against GGHS Snr A at 7.45.