Sinclair was also quick to deliver the turnover ball to her attackers — at times sending the ball powerfully from the centre third straight to shooters Marcia Beale and Princess Tomoana.
Midcourt player Aarika Ruru speedily drove to the top of the goal circle, delivered quality ball into her shooters and was always available to collect loose ball.
YMP (2)’s understanding between players continues to develop at the higher level after being promoted from Premier Reserve this season. but it was a tough outing for them.
Whangara came out of the gates fast and, like Waikohu, were always in control — 17-6 after the first quarter, 34-13 at halftime and 48-23 at the third-quarter break.
They moved the ball through the court slickly and used the long, open pass to their advantage.
Attackers Taryn Walford, Summer Marama-Kingi and Nardz Whaitiri-White worked the ball into their shooters by driving to the top of the circle or setting up for the triangle pattern pass.
Shooters Tiara Weir, Reremoana Bartlett Tamatea and Hinewaipounamu Rangihuna complemented their efforts by using good timing to pop out, collect passes and then finish off.
Ngatapa, also promoted from Premier Reserve this year, struggled under Whangara’s pressure but there were times when they moved the ball through the court well.
Top-of-table battle at the Y tomorrow: YMP 1 v Whangara
Premier Grade netball tomorrow in the Y starts at 9am with Gisborne Girls’ High Senior A playing Character Roofing YMP 2.
The students won a close contest by seven goals last time these two met.
The lower-seeded YMP pressured Girls’ High into errors to lead by five goals at halftime but steadier play from GGHS in the latter two quarters pulled back the deficit and they went on to win.
Players from both sides got tips and intercepts and created turnovers so if both teams bring the same type of play to tomorrow’s clash, this could be another exciting contest.
The second game of the day — at 10.30am — is set to be a cracker . . . a top-of-the table match-up between competition leaders Turanga FM YMP (1) and Whangara Old Girls (1).
Only one goal separated the teams over a hotly contested hour the last time they played.
Both gave a great display of skills enjoyed by a vocal crowd.
Defending champions YMP are unbeaten this season but that game could have gone either way so tomorrow is shaping up as another battle royal between sides who know each other well.
Across the road at the Victoria Domain courts, the other senior grades continue Round 3 from 9am to 2pm.
