Netball: Highs and lows for Bay girls

Hawke's Bay umpires Helga Lewis and Amy Maulder will officiate in the play-offs at the netball age-group nationals.

The elation of the most consistent performance from the Hawke's Bay under-17 girls' netball team was wiped out by the disappointment of an extra-time loss at their national tournament in North Harbour yesterday.

The coach of the EIT-sponsored Bay team, Lee-Anne Taylor, described their 43-25 win over North Harbour Two as their "most consistent performance to date".

"Each player took ownership of their positions to produce clinical netball. Our team defence set the tone which created multiple intercepts, which were taken by Demi Forshaw, Yahaira Williams and Kimiora Poi," Taylor said.

The first quarter went goal for goal until Kelsey McPhee converted a turnover in the last play to give the Bay a 10-8 lead. The second quarter saw a lift in intensity with defensive pressure creating opportunities for the attacking end who converted turnover ball to be ahead at the break by seven.

Maintaining the intensity and consistency on attack with a cohesive team defence saw the team race ahead, holding the North Harbour 2 team to only four goals in the third quarter.

In their next outing, the Bay lost 41-35 to Southland in extra time. It was an even encounter with the Bay leading 16-14 at halftime.

Despite fewer opportunities, Forshaw pulled in many rebounds and loose balls to keep the Bay team in the hunt.

The third quarter saw the lead extend to three. However, Southland fought back with good through court defence and clean passing to tie the score at 32-all after regulation time. Southland gained the edge during the 10-minute extra time.

The Bay were to play Canterbury Country this morning and a win will put them in the playoff for 21st position this afternoon. A loss will see them vie for 23rd.

However, the Bay will have a presence in the major playoffs with the selection of Helga Lewis to umpire the final.

Akin to teams, umpires are selected on their performance throughout the week with their reward the thrill of officiating in the crucial games.

"They are selected to attend the championship and this year we are lucky enough to have two umpires selected - Helga and Amy Maulder," Netball HB operations manager Tina Arlidge said.

Maulder is reserve umpire for a semifinal as well as the playoff for 13th-14th place. Lewis is HB Netball business administrator.

Arlidge said the top final was on Lewis' agenda, after she officiated in the 5th-6th playoff game at last year's champs.