Break utilised well for premier netballers

Will Johnston

Photo: Ken Davies

Bayleys premier netball leaders Tysons East used the two-week competition break to its advantage.

All premier and satellite grades enjoyed time-off during the school holidays. Saturday morning netball returned on the weekend, while premier competitions resume on Thursday and Friday.  

Tysons premier one captain Tiaan Taylor said the team stuck together and kept building ahead of their top-of-the-table clash against Inglewood in Stratford on Thursday.

It included a friendly match last week to have a ‘real good hit out in preparation for Inglewood.’

“I’m hoping we can start with a good warmup which will transfer to a strong start,” she said.

The team hopes to continue to do the basics well. They’ve been working on their attacking end to make connections with a focus on discipline with circle edge feeds.

Taylor said the defensive end is working well.

“Our defence look to do what they do best, disrupt the play, pressure the ball and work hard to create those turnovers.”

During the season, Tysons have continued its strong run of form and remain unbeaten during grading and competition play.

Taylor puts that down to a good attitude and constantly talking about being better and working harder.

“We have great players throughout the court who can turn ball over and then convert those at the other end.

“It’s a pretty awesome feeling knowing our shooters can put goals up from everywhere to reward our team on our efforts.”

But she’s aware of Inglewood’s solid connections and know they want to win as much as her side.

Inglewood captain Mechaela Major said her teammates used the break to keep up their personal fitness with a team training to ensure they’re ready for the tail end of the season.

“The break can definitely be tricky and can disrupt momentum, yet we have chosen to view and use it as a time to refresh,” she said.

Inglewood aims to put out a cohesive and strong game this week and to play to their strengths.

“Tysons are always a very competitive team with strong and experienced players throughout the court,” she said about the upcoming match.

Centre pass is at 6:45pm.

In the other premier one matches, Stratford/Eltham travel to Hawera to play Naumai at 6:45pm and Raukaura and New Plymouth Old Boys play in the later game in Stratford at 8:15pm.

Premier two, Friday:

NPGHS v Tysons West, TSB Hub, 6:45pm

Naumai v Inglewood, TSB Hub, 6:45pm

SHGC v Tukapa, 8:15pm, TSB Hub

Premier three, Thursday:

Bell Block v Inglewood, TSB Hub 6:45pm

Inglewood HS v The Locals, TSB Hub, 8:15pm

Stratford/Eltham v Hawera HS, TSB Hub, 8:15pm