The clash between powerhouse teams College A and Physed A was the highlight of the second round of the Dunedin premier club competition on Saturday.
With both teams having existing connections on court and both having experienced coaches in Lauren Piebenga (College) and Nicki Paterson and Kirstin Scully (Physed), the game was expected to be a tight tussle.
However, College had a dominant start, going into the first-quarter break leading Physed A 18-9.
College showed an exciting mix of flair and smarts in their shooting pair of Brenna Lyons and Talei Pelasio, who were both accurate.
This, plus a consistent grind from College, helped them stay in front of Physed A by seven goals at both halftime (28-21) and three-quarter time (39-32).
The last quarter brought a late surge from Physed A, building momentum after College lost their goal defence to a two-minute suspension with six minutes to go.
This put College under pressure, and Physed A’s defensive unit of Della-May Vining and Emma McKay secured some needed turnovers for the side.
Physed A scored eight goals in the last five minutes but College held on to win 52-48, meaning Physed takes a bonus point.
College midcourter Riley Piebenga was pleased to hold on for the win.
"It was a tightly contested match and a good portrayal of netball presented."
College are now one of just two undefeated teams in the premier grade, the other being University-Albion A.
College will strive to extend their winning streak next week against young guns Columba College.
The other feature game in round two was between University-Albion A and the Southern Magpies.
It was a close battle in the first half, after which Uni-Albion A led 28-24.
However, the defending champions dominated the second half to win 62-44.
Uni-Albion’s B team had a strong game against St Hilda’s, winning 55-30.
Physed B led Columba 23-22 at halftime before an outstanding second half from Columba propelled the schoolgirls to a 52-41 win.
— Hannah Bisset
