Netball: Ngongotahā make early season statement against Waikite

Ngongotahā Thunder have produced a dominant 59-31 win over Waikite Panthers to suggest they could be a real force in this year's Rotorua Premier 1 netball division.

It was all go at the Westbrook Netball Courts, which underwent a $1.3 million redevelopment during the off season, as teams battled it out in round one of the Senior Banner competition on Saturday.

Ngongotahā played in a Friday night league last year but returned to the Saturday Premier competition with a bang as they ran rampant over Waikite. Their shooters Ngawaea Taia and Jessie Wharekura displayed an almost telepathic connection early on and led their team to a 16-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Waikite, who have a good mixture of seasoned campaigners and young up-and-comers, did not let their opposition's fast start intimidate them and never took a step back. They showed plenty of enthusiasm on attack but simply struggled to get the ball in the hoop.

Ngongotahā Thunder sharpshooter Jessie Wharekura was one of the standout players against Waikite Panthers. Photo / Ben Fraser

Ngongotahā dominated the start of the second quarter, scoring six unanswered points to lead 22-6. Waikite came back at them though and basically went point for point to finish the half trailing 19-35.

The Ngongotahā defence, led by commanding goal keep Aroha Haumaha, made a real nuisance of themselves in the defensive third, treating every Waikite pass as an intercepting opportunity. Those efforts paved the way for the goals to continue tumbling in at the other end and they led 47-24 after three quarters.

It was much the same in the fourth quarter as Ngongotahā cruised to a 59-31 victory, laying down an early marker of their potential this year.

In the other Premier 1 games, Pikiao Warriors beat Whaka Red 56-46 and Kahukura Red beat Rotorua Girls' High School by default.

Ngongotahā Thunder goal attack Ngawaea Taia throws a no-look pass against Waikite Panthers. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua Netball Results
Senior Banner Round One

Premier 1: Pikiao Warriors 56 Whaka Red 46, Ngongotahā Thunder 59 Waikite Panthers 31, Kahukura Red won by default vs RGHS Prem 1.

Premier 2: Murupara Stingers 41 Eastside Gurls 1 30, Marist Trailblazers 42 Kahukura White 39, Ngongotahā On Call 42 Manawatahi Taiohi 39.

Premier 3: Pikiao Raiders 48 Waikite Flamez 30, Lakez 41 Manawatahi Black 33, Reporoa Rangers 43 Ngongotahā Hapori 30.

Senior A: Kahukura Blue 45 Ngongotahā League 35, Marist Storm 64 PK Stingers 62, Tuhoe BYE.

A Grade: Kahukura Tri Colours won by default vs Waikite Social, The Chix 53 Marist Strikers 29, Fordlands 43 Marist Astro 26.

A Reserve: Ngongotahā Huia 46 Marist Souls 12, Marist Misfits 16 Eastside Gurls 2 25, Ngongotahā Mareikura 59 Manawatahi Green 16.