Netball: Bay pair make cull after dust settles

Jaydi Chaffey-Taylor flies against Taranaki. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Hawke's Bay defender Jaydi Chaffey-Taylor and midcourter Briana Stephenson gained tournament team selection at the end of the national under-17 netball champs in Mount Maunganui on Thursday.

The Napier Girls' High School pair were rewarded for their consistency throughout the four-day event.

Their selection was the ideal form of consolation for a disappointing final game from the HBS Bank Hawke's Bay side which lost their playoff for 17th place 32-21 to hosts Harbourside.

Hawke's Bay had beaten Harbourside 27-21 earlier in the tournament. The Bay's 18th placing was an improvement on last year's 23rd.

"This has been an extremely successful campaign with all players showing impressive improvement throughout the representative season. The team showed a huge amount of resilience and initiative and were able to absorb pressure effectively to produce really pleasing performances," Bay coach Lee-Anne Taylor said.

Harbourside's strong first quarter was the key to their victory. Hawke's Bay were in chase mode in the second quarter as Harbourside continued to move at pace and play with flair.

With Stephenson prominent at wing attack, Hawke's Bay fought back in the third quarter but the damage had been done in the first half. Harbourside dominated the final quarter.

Earlier in the day, Hawke's Bay beat Taranaki 16-12. The Bay established a tidy lead in the first quarter but an outstanding defensive display throughout the match propelled the team to victory.

Chaffey-Taylor and fellow defender Emily McLaren were relentless in the circle reaping a steady supply of possession which was effectively converted at the other end.

Midcourter Chanay Peri controlled the attacking end, demonstrating superb leadership and communication.

The Hawke's Bay coaches were thrilled with the team's performance and ability to sustain intensity in a tough and torrid match, particularly on the last day of a gruelling tournament.

"It was great to put out a quality performance which showcased the wonderful talent we have in Hawkes Bay," said assistant coach Kane Makea.