St Mary’s shake off dust in win against Wyndham

Maruawai College senior A wing attack Georgia Grumball, 16, looks for passing options. PHOTO:...
Maruawai College senior A wing attack Georgia Grumball, 16, looks for passing options. PHOTO: ANNE REID
St Mary’s A overcame a slow start to win comfortably against Wyndham in a Netball Eastern Southland MLT premier league game on Saturday.

The green and golds won 36-22.

St Mary’s coach Justine Goatley said in the first quarter the players made a few errors.

"We took a wee while to settle in."

The team won the first quarter 9-5 and then lifted their game to be 22-11 at halftime.

The second half of the game was slower scoring. St Mary’s won the third quarter 9-5 and Wyndham won the fourth 6-5.

While it was good to get the win it was not a faultless performance, Goatley said.

"I think they need to look after possession a wee bit better, especially in the attack end."

Goal defence Mackenzie Frost played well.

"She had some really good intercepts."

Next weekend St Mary’s will face a top of the table clash with Ex High, who are also unbeaten in the competition.

Wyndham manager Emma Norman said the game seemed a lot closer than the scoreboard indicated.

"Watching [the game] there was definitely a lot of back and forward."

The difference between the two teams was the patches in the game when St Mary’s scored a run of four or more goals which happened several times.

"That seemed to draw the scoreline out a bit.

"You let them get a wee run of five and then next thing you know you are six or seven down.

"It’s hard to pull that back."

Lilly McKenzie who played goal attack and goal shoot was player of the match.

St Mary’s were strong on defence in the shooting circle but McKenzie managed to find space to put up shots.

"She held her own really well."

Goal keep Rhylee McGregor also played well.

"She’s a workhorse in the defence circle."

The players were enjoying their netball.

"That’s all we really wanted was a nice team vibe."

sandy.eggleston@theensign.co.nz