With the Banner rounds completed the Rotorua Netball Senior Championship got under way yesterdayand Ngongotahā Thunder got off to a winning start against Pikiao Warriors.
Ngongotahā were always in control but had to fight off multiple comeback attempts from a spirited Pikiao side on their way to a 47-40 victory.
The two sides went goal-for-goal for much of the early stages, although both took a little time to adjust to a strong wind which meant every pass and shot had to be pinpoint. Ngongotahā led 13-11 after the first quarter.
A theme was beginning to develop. Pikiao would dig in and crawl back to within a point but every time Ngongotahā would bounce back and extend the lead again. It was a physical encounter with neither side giving an inch and at halftime Ngongotahā led 24-20.
The third quarter was dead even. Pikiao fought back to within a goal before Ngongotahā extended their lead back out to four, finishing the quarter up 32-28.
