Favourites Harcourts face tough challenge

Can Makoura College stop the Harcourts juggernaut?

That will be the big question when matches in Netball Wairarapa's premier one competition continue at the Colombo Rd courts in Masterton tomorrow.

Harcourts are on the maximum 15 points, with Makoura College in second place on 13 going into the penultimate round of qualifying games before the top four sides move through to the semifinals.

Harcourts will start as favourites with their experience and depth of talent but it will be interesting to see how hard they are pushed by a Makoura side that has developed well under the astute coaching of Dayle Clarkson. Indications are their participation in the Wellington secondary schoolgirls regional league has been a boon for Makoura.

They played the last of their divisional games this Monday outclassing Onslow for a 38-13 win, to end up fourth in their division behind Chilton St James, Kapiti and Heretaunga.

Holding down equal third place in the premier one series are Wairarapa College and Carterton New World Legends who meet each other tomorrow.

Wairarapa College coach Kelly Sargent will have a foot in both camps as she regularly plays for the Legends, and the youngsters will need to be wary of her competitive nature if she takes to the court on this occasion. A close, tense encounter is expected.

Pioneer Blue now have the task in front of them to make the semifinals but they will boost their cause if they can secure a victory over St Matthew's Collegiate.

St Matthew's will look to play the game at pace in an attempt to counter the greater experience of the Pioneer Blue unit and a close finish seems likely.

Carterton New World Lynx are fifth on the points table and will go into their match with Baywide Gladstone knowing a win will put them into semifinal contention. The form book says Lynx should have the edge.