Derby match heats up the competition

Jacks OPD have taken the bragging rights over Prices Waimea Ahurei as both teams stepped up to the plate in the derby match.

Having established themselves as the dominant two women’s teams in the NBS premier grade competition, they came to play in a 64-54 win for Jacks.

In other results, Stoke was too strong for Nelson Girls College, winning 47-36, and FCL Nelson Men outperformed Richmond F45, 73-35.

Ahurei started the game strongly, taking a three-point lead into the first quarter break before the tides started to change.

The second 15 minutes were all Jacks as they outscored their opponents 21-11 to take a big lead into the halftime break, which they would not relinquish.

Ahurei fought back in the third quarter to be down by just five points going into the final quarter and was in touch to mount a comeback.

But it wasn’t to be, as Jacks rose to the occasion, with Holly Chandler impressive in GD.

Having changed alliances between the two clubs in the offseason, she had a body-on-the-line attitude that disrupted a lot of her old team’s ball.

Holly is just one of several players who have shuffled around teams before this season, alongside a wealth of key players for all teams who are set to either make their return or take their absence.

With the first round of this year’s season a stand-alone competition of ‘fast 7’ netball, both teams took advantage of the rolling subs with frequent changes.

A two-point line in the final five minutes of every quarter was also used to strong effect, with both teams making the most of the additional points on offer.

Jacks would make a point of using their experience in the shooting circle, with Ani Waitai dominant from range while making a game-defining number of two-pointers to snatch the game.

But coach Robyn Leonard says it can be as much of a curse as it was their blessing.

“In the third, we let them back into it because we tried to make too many two-pointers. You’ve got to be a bit clever with it.

“I was very pleased with that, especially with us having a lot of very good people on the injury bench.”

Robyn says the different round, which will also have a trophy for the first time this season, makes for interesting dynamics.

“One thing about this style of game is people get the opportunity to shine.

“As a coach, you have the opportunity to put people on who wouldn’t normally get that much time in a regular game.”

Ahurei coach Mandy Whiting says while they’re disappointed with the result, it hasn’t dampened their spirits.

“It’s still the start of the season. Jacks and we are both new teams.

“We need to be stronger, fitter and faster. We were too soft.”

Mandy agreed that the different rounds gave her the opportunity to make changes and try things on the fly.

“We’ve got girls with potential. We’re also really lucky this year because we’ve got depth, 11 strong players,” she says.

The team also has a strong group of players returning from time away. Chelsea Reed is back and in the captaincy, joined by Lucy Ingham and Dayna Kerr.