Zoe marks return in thrilling draw

After two years out of the game, former Tactix star Zoe Walker returned to NBS Nelson Premier Netball this evening for Prices-Waimea Ahurei as Stoke held the defending champions to a scintillating 45-all draw at Saxton Stadium.

Prices-Waimea looked to have all but sealed the result in the closing moments before a thrilling buzzer beater from Stoke ensured a stalemate after sixty minutes.

Zoe showed all her class from seven seasons in the ANZ Premiership but Stoke refused to die in a see-sawing battle.

The veteran defender says it was fantastic to be back in front of a home crowd.

"It was awesome, last time I played here was the Waimea College days."

It has been a long road to recovery for Zoe, following a serious knee injury which required surgery.

Zoe has returned to the region to further her teaching career at Nayland College and forms half of a formidable defensive duo with Holly Chandler.

"I have always heard the name so it was cool to play with her, her timing is very impressive."

The former Waimea student says while tonight was a slight hiccup, she is confident the club to go back to back to back.

"We were not consistent enough tonight but it's a short season, I have faith we can win it again."

Her debut appeared to go off without a hitch, before the clutch last second goal from, Megan Thompson, a former teammate of Zoe's.

"I played with her for seven years at school, I've never played against her but it's good to see she’s as dominant as ever."

Prices-Waimea shot out to an early 5-0 lead with Dayna Whiting moved to centre for the opening clash of round two.

Despite a stern fight from Stoke, Prices-Waimea took a 14-9 lead after the first quarter.

Zoe would sit out majority of the second, drawing blood on her finger as Stoke managed to reduce the gap to three in her absence.

With Kalyssa Rasmussen switching to centre and Dayna to goal defence, Prices soon regained the ascendancy.

A late surge from Stoke, led by Megan and Amber Healey, saw them trail by just 26-23 at halftime.

Zoe returned to goal defence at the resumption while Kalyssa hobbled off court with a knee injury as Dayna slipped back into the centre bib.

Stoke would send shivers through the Prices-Waimea camp as they squared the ledger at 33 apiece.

However, Shar Lowe’s sharp shooting ensured her side a 37-35 lead at three-quarter time.

Prices-Waimea looked to have sealed the result late in the fourth, Zoe's long-range passes and immense pressure on defence helping secure a four-goal advantage with seven to go.

Some superb late Stoke attack reduced the margin to one with less than a minute to play.

Prices-Waimea looked to play out the final seconds after a timely intercept from Zoe before Stoke managed to turn possession over inside its own attacking third with Megan netting a thrilling buzzer beater to even the honours in front of a stunned crowd.

Meanwhile, in the battle of the colleges on court one, Nelson College for Girls edged Motueka 40-30.

In the evening's later game, Jacks maintained its unbeaten run with a 48-28 over Richmond.

Next week sees a rematch of the past three premier finals in Jacks vs Prices.

Results:

Prices-Waimea 48 drew with Stoke 48

NCG 40 def Motueka High 30

Jacks 48 def Richmond 28