Energetic defence and some classy work in the shooting circle were the backbone of a 63-37 win for the Waikite Panthers against Rotoiti Gold.
The Premier 2 game was played in miserably wet conditions on Saturday, but both sides showed great ball skills throughout.
Although the final winning margin was a large one, the first quarter could not have been closer. The two sides went goal-for-goal, with neither leading by more than two points at any stage, and Waikite led 14-13 at the first break.
Waikite really found their feet in the second quarter. Their shooters showed plenty of energy in the final third, scoring six unanswered points to start the quarter. At the other end, their goal keep and goal defence shut down everything Rotoiti threw at them. Waikite's second quarter effectively won them the game as they shot out to a 35-17 lead at halftime.
Rotoiti improved in the third quarter, going toe-to-toe with their opposition but unable to reduce the deficit, trailing 44-26 with one quarter left to play.
Rotoiti Gold wing attack Jessica Jackson (left) attempts to get the ball under control against Waikite Panthers' Shanice Crosby. Photo / Stephen Parker
Waikite continued to pile on the points in the fourth quarter, but to Rotoiti's credit they never gave up, even when the game was lost. In the end, the points conceded in the second quarter were just too much for them to turn around.
