Grand final in Pioneer's sights

Pioneer have been the surprise package in this season's Netball
Wairarapa premier one competition, but the best is still to come.
That's the promise from coach Moko Namana, who says they are
not only aiming for a place in the grand final but are intent on
taking the spoils there as well.
``We're setting our sights as high as they can go. I know a lot
of people will say we are dreaming but, hey, anything is possible,
isn't it?'' Namana said. ``If you go out there to come second, why
bother.''
The last of the preliminary round fixtures in the top six play-
offs will be staged this coming weekend, with Pioneer sitting in
second place on the points table after earlier wins over St
Matthew's Collegiate (38-33) and Carterton New World Legends
(54-33) and a loss to Wairarapa College (36-42).
It's a record that has already guaranteed them a semifinals
berth, but just who they will play there won't be determined until
they do battle with Harcourts, who have   gone through the club
season undefeated.
 This clash is programmed for the Colombo Road courts on Saturday and, while Namana has the utmost respect for the ``experienced and skilled'' Harcourts line-
up, she is confident Pioneer will keep them on their toes.
``No one will be giving us a show, but no team is unbeatable,
not even Harcourts,'' Namana said. ``If we start well and keep it
going, who knows what might happen.''
Even if they are beaten by Harcourts, however, the chances
are Pioneer will avoid meeting them again in the semis, with
either St Matthew's Collegiate or Wairarapa College their more
likely opponents,  something which shortens the odds on
Pioneer advancing to the grand final.
They have already registered wins over both college sides this
season  and Namana is convinced the top six play-off defeat by Wairarapa College was due more to her side having an off day than anything else.
Namana sees the evenness of talent throughout her 12-strong
squad as being Pioneer's main strength, although the spearheads
have been Kylie Puhara in the shooting department, Kaare
Smallman at wing attack and Ariana Waipuka in defence.  All
three  are rated as  among the best in their respective positions in
the premier one competition.
The full Pioneer squad is: Kylie Puhara, Joyce Rimene, Kaare
Smallman, Jodie Graham, Jamie Reiri, Mana Torea, Trisanna
Campbell, Ariana Waipuka, Kelly Rimene, Jolene Ratapu, Nadia
Brown and Katie Ropiha.