Slow starting Prices Waimea Ahurei find their feet

It took time for a new look Prices Waimea Ahurei to settle in their 60-39 win over F45 Richmond in NBS premier grade action.

In other results from the fourth week of the season, FCL Nelson Men put on a clinic against Prices Waimea Pango, winning 59-20, and Jacks OPD were in top form in a 53-15 win over Nelson College for Girls senior A.

After losing two players on the defensive end for Prices Waimea Ahurei in their game last week, the team came out with a new look in their new all-white uniforms.

With several players pulled up from their Pango squad, it took time for them to settle into their roles as F45 Richmond kept pace with them through the first three quarters.

They were never able to take the lead but would steadily build back into the game after letting Ahurei go on a run.

Richmond would win the third quarter 13-10, but the tide changed in the fourth as the Ahurei squad started to find their groove.

With Harriet Ogilvie moving into GS for the second half, she would only miss two of her 21-shot attempts.

Prices Waimea Ahurei coach Mandy Whiting says while Harriet is a through-and-through shooter, she’s been playing her in WA to keep her options open.

And with two players ending their season early, they are already plumbing their depths to find talent.

The decision to start Kalyssa Rasmussen at WD was looking to inject some experience in the defensive third. She would move into centre at the first quarter break.

“We’re very very light on defence and with Kalyssa being the most experienced. We just didn’t know which way to do it, at centre of wing defence, but it’s all learning.”

Mandy says the girls felt disconnected as they eased their way into a new structure.

“They managed to pull them last quarter.

“They’re the ones out there, I can’t do it for them.”

Ahurei’s Tali Uia, who jumped into the team after starting the season in the Pango squad, would begin the game in GS, before moving to GK in the third and back into GA to end the game, highlighting her versatility.

It was a sentiment echoed by F45 Richmond coach Kathleen Thornalley, who says Tali had a standout performance.

“She was outstanding, being able to play at both ends.”

She was impressed with the patches of good play her team put together but believes the team won’t be happy with the final scoreline.

“They got a bit of a run and we didn’t do anything to answer.

“It was really competitive for three-quarters of the game. . . I just don’t think we did anything to stop the blowout.”