Netball: Semifinal suits Outkast

Outkast captain Jeda Bartlett will bank on shooter Rakei Huata to take them over the line again tonight.

It's never easy returning from a hiatus in sport, even if it's just a season, because one can never underplay the value of familiarity.

Consequently, Outkast Optimise Physio are delighted to have completed the championship round of the Hawke's Bay Netball premier club Super 6 competition just behind defending champions Otane Thirsty Whale before tonight's semifinals.

"We're happy and proud to be sitting in second place," says Outkast defender Amanda Palmer, adding they came into the relatively unknown zone after having no presence in the competition last winter.

"We've really outdone ourselves as our young haven't played at that level and those who have, haven't done that for a while," says the 31-year-old defender after they lost 55-35 in round one before pipping Huias 47-45 in round two of the championship.

Palmer is mindful whoever turns up to play an hour's netball tonight will prevail in a do-or-die situation.

"Everyone has to play full 15-minute quarters and everybody has to do their part," she says, claiming their young netballers are "super fit" and talented.

However, she and Vanna Sullivan are carrying niggles while breast-feeding mums Maddie Pakoti and Julie Varcoe will find a full hour difficult.

Summer-Rose Taylor and Myer Pakoti have stepped up with aplomb.

Outkast have been banking on shooter Rakei Huata's percentage to eke out victories and tonight will be no different.