The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) Hawkes Bay U17 netball team began the day with a convincing win against North Harbour 2, 43-25 in the cross match for positions 17 through to 32.

The first quarter was a tight affair going goal for goal, until a turnover was converted by Kelsey McPhee to take the lead 10-8 at the end of the first.  The second quarter saw a lift in intensity with defensive pressure creating opportunities for the attacking end who converted turnover ball to be ahead at the break by 7.  Maintaining the intensity and consistency on attack with a cohesive team defence saw the team race ahead, holding the North Harbour 2 team to only 4 goals in the third quarter.

Coach Lee-Anne Taylor stated “This has been our most consistent performance to date.  Each player took ownership for their positions and produced clinical netball.  Our team defence set the tone which created multiple intercepts which were taken by Demi Forshaw, Yahaira Williams and Kimiora Poi”.

“The key for the EIT Hawkes Bay U17 team now is to back up this with a solid performance against Southland in the next cross over match” says Kane Makea, assistant coach.

The next game saw Hawkes Bay take on Southland.  The match was even throughout with only a few goals in it at half time the Bay leading by 2, 16-14.  The defensive pressure exerted in the first game gave up fewer opportunities however Demi Forshaw pulled in many rebounds and loose balls to keep them in the hunt.  The third quarter saw the lead extend to only 3 however Southland fought back with good through court defence and clean passing to draw even at full time, 32 all.  Extra time (2x5mins) was a tense battle which saw Southland take the edge over Hawkes Bay winning 35-41.

The EIT Hawkes Bay U17 team will play off for final placing’s tomorrow 21 through to 24.