Trans-Tasman Secondary Schools Netball Tournament Update 2011
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GRAND FINAL: SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (44) DEFEAT NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS (32)
School Sport Australia were out to win the trans-tasman cup and nothing the New Zealand Secondary Schools team did could stop their utter determination to claim the top prize for Australia for the first time since 2007.
The game looked like it was going to be close in the opening minutes as both teams scored off their own centre pass with ease, but then a few timely intercepts by School Sport Australia Goal Defence Kristiana Manu'a near the end of the quarter gave the aussies a headstart going into the second quarter.
From there on in they didn't look back, School Sport Australia Captain Kaitlyn Bryce was absolutely on fire with both her speed and movement around the court as well as her shooting accuracy. Jessyka Ngaumo could do no wrong on defence and put off the usually extremely accurate shooting combination of Tera-Maria Amani and Sarah Hayman.
The star of the night had to be Alice Teague-Neeld who not only shot a whopping 27/27 for a 100% game but collected many rebounds through the night with her placement under the hoop.
For New Zealand Secondary Schools it was the midcourt duo of Nadia Loveday and Samantha Sinclair who kept their side in check as they drove through the court and worked together on defence. But it wasn't enough as the School Sport Australia team surged ahead.
3rd AND 4th PLAYOFF: AOTEAROA MAORI (35) DEFEAT PACFIC RIM (32)
It was the game of the tournament as Aotearoa Maori and Pacific Rim went into extra time, making the crowd estatic! In the end it was Aotearoa who came away with the win but it could have gone either way, a telling sign of the level of talent in both teams.
Pacific Rim were the first to get out to an early lead as they smothered the Aoteraoa Maori attack with outstanding defence from Elizabeth Ene and Miraneta Lemalu. Ene was pivotal for the Pacific team on attack as well bringing the ball down court with ease. The Aotearoa Maori shooting combination of Tawari Vercoe and Sharnii Lintern were tentative on attack to begin with but a time-out called with a couple of minutes to go in the first let the Maoris breathe a little and regain compusre, coming back after the break to close the gap and finish only 4 points behind going into quarter time.
The second quarter was all Aotearoa Maori as Centre Toia Tiwha came on and steadied her side. She also picked up a lot of loose ball on defence and supported Wing Attack Simmon Howe with fantastic feeding into the Aotearoa Maori shooters. Captain Ariana Cable-Dixon also stepped up in this quarter and began to dictate their game plan, outscoring the Pacific Rim team 11-4.
The Third quarter was more of an even playground as Pacific Rim Goal Attack Maia Jean Watene injected some flair back into her team. Her quick movements made the Aotearoa Maori defence think twice and her shot at goal became much more accurate, shooting 6/7 for the quarter.
The last quarter was all Pacific Rim as Nivique Chang-Rasmussen came on at Goal Shoot and created a fantastic strong target for her team. The defence end stepped up too as they picked up a lot of high ball in the shooting circle, much to Aotearoa Maori's coaching team who were instructing their midcourters to keep the ball low. It was an intercept frenzy in the last quarter and you couldn't ask for a better atmosphere. Both coaches were calling for patience and an intercept from Pacfic Rim Centre Rebekah Roache meant that her team equalised in the last minute with their Centre pass to come. But determined Aotearoa Goal Keep Ihipera Maipi Edward got her own back with a spectacular intercept in the last 2 seconds inside the shooting circle, saving her team from a one-goal loss
Going into extra-time it seemed Ihipera's intercept had spurred on Aotearoa Maori as they took the lead and never looked back. The charge was led by Ariana Cable-Dixon.
It was a fantastic game to watch, quite the spectacle.
5TH AND 6TH PLAYOFF: BUKIT JALIL SPORTS SCHOOL MALAYSIA (38) DEFEAT INDIGENOUS SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (33)
It was goal for goal in the first of the playoff matches for the afternoon as Bukit Jalil School Sport Malaysia and Indigenous School Sport Australia battled it out for that 5th and 6th placing. The game was close from the start and it went goal for goal before Bukit Jalil took the lead and held onto it throughout.
Captain Nurshamilia Md Samsudin was in exceptional form for Bukit Jalil as was Centre Nurul Adha Abu Bakar who seemed to be everywhere on the court at once. But it was her accurate passing into tall Goal Shoot Norashikin Kamal Zaman that secured the win for Bukit Jalil. Zaman put up 32 attempts and scored a credible 28 at 87.5% accuracy.
Indigenous School Sport Australia didn't go down without a fight and it was Wing Defence and captain Libby Cook-Black who lead her teams insurgence in the 3rd and 4th quarters, picking up intercepts and creating turnovers. ISSA won the last two quarters of the match but it wasn't good enough to reign in the Malaysian team. Dan Trindle-Price also needs a mention as she played Centre with a lot of heart and never gave up right to the dying minutes.
ROUND 5
NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS (63) DEFEAT BUKIT JALIL SPORTS SCHOOL MALAYSIA (32)
It was an early start for both teams as they took to the court at 9am. New Zealand Secondary Schools were out to secure their spot in the final and needed a solid win to give them a confidence boost after their 1 goal loss to School Sport Australia last night.
New Zealand Secondary Schools were strong throughout the court but at times struggled to break the fantastic zone defence that Bukit Jalil Malaysia worked to perfection through the midcourt. Jessica Bourke had an exceptional game at Goal Keep, her elevation and ability to read the game ensured New Zealand received a lot of turnover ball. Tamsin Moala started strong at Goal Attack as she paired with once again extremely accurate shooter Tera-Maria Amani. Nadia Loveday worked tirelessly through the court for New Zealand at Wing Attack and her and Renee Te Riini were finding their shooters at ease. Kendra Falefitu and (GS) and Erikana Pedersen (WA) also had a positive influence on the team when they took to the court.
Bukit Jalil School Sport Malaysia (BJSS) were not without moments of brilliance as the defensive combination of Nurshamilia Md Samsudin and Siti Norfarhana Mustafa made the New Zealand shooting combination work hard for every ball. Once again it was the gutsy and determined Nur Syafazuyana Mohd Ali who had the most positive influence on the game for BJSS, playing at Wing Defence for her team, she was out hunting every ball and sticking to the New Zealand Wing Attack like glue.
AOTEAROA MAORI (48) DEFEAT INDIGENOUS SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (23)
Aotearoa Maori were out to prove something this morning as they quickly established a solid lead and played some fine Netball against Indigenous School Sport Australia in the 2nd game of the day.
Wing Defence Materoa Poi played out of her skin for Aotearoa Maori as she worked the edge of the circle and shut down any chance of Indigenous School Sport Australia penetrating the shooting area. Goal Shoot Stephanie Rolfe was not only profilic in her shooting but managed to pick up more intercepts and deflections than the average attacking player with her long arms. Goal Keep Ihipera Maipi showed some great elevation as she took to the high ball with ease and her replacement Kayla Williams who came on later in the match fitted in seamlessly by doing the same.
Down the other end of the court Indigenous School Sport Australia Goal Keep, Jorja Bright seemed to be pulling in rebounds from everywhere but her team mates struggled to get flow through the court. Goal Attack Tommaya Kelly-Sines did some excellent drives along the baseline but was often missed by her midcourters.
SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (45) DEFEAT PACIFIC RIM (26)
It was a slow start for both teams as neither could score a goal in the first couple of minutes. In the end though it was School Sport Australia captain Kaitlyn Bryce who sunk the first shot, settled her team and set the tone for the rest of the game.
School Sport Australia were dominant throughout the court, from Goal Keep Phoebe Seamer who was on top of every ball that came her way right through the court to Goal Shoot Isabella Keogh who held strong against gifted Pacific Rim Goal Keep Elizabeth Ene. Kristiana Manu'a at Goal Defence for School Sport Australia was at her intercept hunting best for the first quarter but was reested for the final three quarters in order for her to perform in the final.
Pacific Rim may have been outplayed but they did front up with a great 3rd quarter - matching School Sport Australia goal for goal. Shiray Tane had a strong game for Pacific Rim, playing at both Centre and Wing Defence. Ashley Fennessey played Goal Shoot for Pacific Rim for all 4 quarters and put up 18 attempts, scoring 18 at 72%
ROUND 4
BUKIT JALIL SPORTS SCHOOL MALAYSIA (33) DEFEATED INDIGENOUS SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (27)
The game was expected to be a spectacle as both teams were looking for their first win of the tournament, and that it was. The Malaysian team played some amazing Netball with a new found speed and flow throughout the court.
Bukit Jalil played with composure for most of the game and Wing Attack Nur Syafazuyana Mohd Ali was outstanding with her vision. Centre Nurul Adha Abu Bakar also had a great game as both her and Nurul utilised their ability to place pin-point accurate passes into Goal Shoot Norashiun Kamal Zaman who had a strong hold and position under the hoop.
Indigenous School Sport Australia were definitely still in the game however and some players such as Wing Defence and Centre Tanisha Stanton played out of their skin. Dan Trindle-Price added some flair and speed to their attacking end when she came back on at C in the last quarter as the Indigenous team came back with many unanswered goals.
AOTEAROA MAORI (45) DEFEATED PACIFIC RIM (27)
The Aotearoa Maori team proved they have the ability to pull out an impeccable performance as they confidently defeated Pacific Rim 45-27 this afternoon. The game started goal for goal but it was the Maori team who found their feet first and never let go of their lead throughout.
Aotearoa Maori Goal Attack Sharnii Lintern was on absolute fire, showing off her skills in both attack and defence and combining with Goal Shoot Tawari Vercoe. Both shooters put up a high amount of shots and were rewarded with a combined shooting effort of 86%. Centre Ariana Cable-Dixon was the glue that held this team together and her scuffle with athletic midcourter for Pacific Rim, Rebekah Roache was entertaining to watch.
Pacific Rim struggled to get the ball through the Aotearoa Maori stifling defence but down the other end of the court Elizabeth Ene was doing everything she could for her team at Goal Defence, stealing intercepts and putting a generous amount of pressure on the Aotearoa Maori shooters.
SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (38) DEFEATED NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS (37)
It was a game that everyone was waiting to see as both teams were undefeated after the first three rounds, and boy was it worth the wait. Both teams had a solid lead at some stage throughout the match but the last quarter was goal for goal and came down to the dying seconds when Australia sunk their last goal to claim the win.
It was the tried and true combination of School Sport Australia's attacking end, Captain and Goal Attack Kaitlyn Bryce, Wing Attack Numi Tupaea and Goal Shoot Alice Teague-Neeld who starred throughout the match with their calm and collected approach to moving the ball throughout the court. Defenders Jessyka Ngauamo (GK) and Kristiana Manu'a (GD) were also on fine form, working together as a team with great understanding between them.
Standout players for New Zealand Secondary Schools were speedy midcourter Nadia Loveday who was formidable on both defence and attack and Captain Tera-Maria Amani who put up a total of 29 shots and scored 25. On defence Phoenix Karaka was exceptional at defending the shot however the shorter quick Australian shooters managed to evade her long arms with a lot of pre-movement in the circle.
ROUND 3
PACIFIC RIM (36) DEFEAT INDIGENOUS SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (28)
The game between Pacific Rim and Indigenous School Sport Australia looked as though it was going to be a tight match in the first quarter as both teams fought to gain that initial edge going into 1st quarter break. Indigenous School Sport Australia (ISSA) were up by one after the first quarter but it was all Pacific Rim after that.
The attacking combination for Pacific Rim of Theresa Fitzpatrick (WA), Linda Kells (GA) and Nivique Chang-Rasmussen (GS) really began to click in the 2nd quarter as they began to work as an impressive unit. Chang-Rasmussen was back after an injury she sustained in her teams warm-up yesterday and on form she sure was. The best moment in the game was a blinder of an intercept along the baseline for Pacific Rim Goal Defence Elizabeth Ene
On the back of some great defensive pressure by Goal Keep Nikayla Sines and stunning elevation from Goal Defence Daisy Kennedy-Holtz, Indigenous School Sport Australia came out firing in the first quarter. A new shooting combination of Maddison Deguara and Tommaya Kelly-Sines took to the court as coach Sam Dawes made a great decision to move quick thinking Taylor Norrie moving out to Wing Attack from the shooting circle. The Indigenous team had some great moments but didn't quite piece it together enough to pull back at the gap made by Pacific Rim
SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (43) DEFEAT BUKIT JALIL SPORTS SCHOOL (28)
School Sport Australia dominated this match from the outset but it was very exciting to see the team from Malaysia contest some great ball throughout the court.
School Sport Australia started with a strong line up with captain Kaitlyn Bryce back in at Goal Attack and Dominique Scott (Centre) working with Numi Tupaea (Wing Attack) in the midcourt. These dynamic three ensured the game was played the way they wanted and Goal Shoot Alice Teague-Neeld was able to hang back and stay strong in the circle.
Bukit Jalil Sports School Malaysia definitely had some moments of greatness. When Centre Nurul Adha Abu Bakar looked long into her shooting circle she could feed them with pin-point accuracy. Her work load was high throughout the whole game but she never gave up. Nur Syafazliyana mohd Ali also worked tirelessly at Wing Attack in the last quarter, as the Malaysian team managed to peg back a few goals on Australia in the dying minutes.
NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS (38) DEFEAT AOTEAROA MAORI (23)
In the most highly anticipated match of the round New Zealand Secondary Schools put out a solid game despite a gutsy and determined effort by Aotearoa Maori. The score doesn't quite show the intensity of the game, where bodies were put on the line and some brilliant passages of play were made by both teams.
It was the defensive pressure over the shot by Goal Keep Greer Patterson and Goal Defence Jessica Bourke who forced the early turnover for New Zealand Secondary Schools. Once again captain and exceptional shooter Tera Maria-Amani really led by example, shooting 23/24 at 96%. Phoenix Karaka who came on at GD in the last quarter also proved that she has quick a skill for long bomb passes into the shooters.
For Aotearoa Maori, the efforts of Goal Keep Ihipera Maipi Edwards kept the Maori team in check for the first quarter but it was Goal Defence Kayla Williams in the last quarter that got the crowd on their feet when she pulled in some spectacular intercepts. Goal Attack Shanii Lintern held the attacking end together for Aotearoa Maori with her speed and movement giving the midcourt more options down that third of the court.
ROUND 2
AOTEAROA MAORI (44) DEFEAT BUKIT JALIL SPORTS SCHOOL MALAYSIA (22)
The first match in the afternoon saw Aotearoa Maori take on Bukit Jalil Sports School Malaysia. Both teams had come off closely contested losses in the morning and were looking to get some points on the table.
Aotearoa Maori held a steady lead throughout but Bukit Jalil never looked out of contention and put up a strong fight. It really was a game of standout Wing Attacks as Allysha Taunma showed some athletic finesse for Aotearoa and Nur Syafazliyana Mohd Ali showed off her impeccable vision into the circle for Bukit Jalil.
Kayla Williams had another strong defensive game for Aotearoa Maori as did captain Ariana Cable-Dixon who was well and truly controlling and guiding the team at Wing Defence.
Talented Noramirah Dayana Noor Azhar from Bukit Jalil Sports School Malaysia started the game at Goal Defence which was a surprise as she played Goal Attack in the first game this morning. But she proved she is talented down both ends of the court, snatching some great intercepts.
SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (45) DEFEAT SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (18)
It was always going to be a tough ask for Indigenous School Sport Australia as they came up against School Sport Australia and their 1.89m Goal Shoot Kaylee Bidwell.
School Sport Australia started and finished well and managed to field a variety of combinations. Molly Jovic, who played at Centre and Wing Defence had a strong game, attacking well and picking up a lot of defensive ball around the edge of the circle. Goal Defence Kristiana Manu'a was out to pick up as many intercepts as possible and did quite well for herself, displaying a fantastic array of skills.
Indigenous School Sport Australia started slow but made a change after the first quarter moving Tanisha Stanton to Centre. This change injection some much needed movement into the ISSA midcourt and Tanisha was excellent on both defence and on attack, hitting the top of the circle with ease. Once again it was the shortest player on the court who stood out for ISSA; Goal Shoot Taylor Norrie with her quick nimble movements, outmanoeuvred the towering SSA defence and her shooting partnership with Tommaya Kelly-Sines grew stronger throughout the match.
NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS (44) DEFEAT PACIFIC RIM (20)
At the end of the first day only two teams go through to Day Two undefeated, one of them School Sport Australia and the other New Zealand Secondary Schools after their convincing win over Pacific Rim this afternoon.
Goal Defence Phoenix Karaka and Goal Keep Jessica Bourke were making life difficult for the Pacific Rim shooters with their long stretch over the shot and strong rebounding. Sarah Hayman came on at Goal Shoot for NZSS in the second half, moving captain Tera-Maria Amani out to Goal Attack and the new combination worked well, as did the prior combination of Tamsin Moala and Amani and the final combination of Hayman and Kendra Falefitu.
The best tussle of the night was between Pacific Rim Wing Defence Nicole Tuinukuafe and NZSS Wing Attack Erikana Pedersen. Tuinukuafe had a strong 3-foot guard and stuck on Pedersen like glue. Goal Shoot / Goal Attack Linda Kells was also on form for Pacific Rim, helping her team by staying in control, creating space and driving strong into the shooting circle.
ROUND 1
The Trans-Tasman Secondary Schools Netball Tournament got underway this morning and the calibre of talent shown by all teams at this level was nothing short of out-standing.
PACIFIC RIM (36) DEFEAT BUKIT JALIL SPORTS SCHOOL MALAYSIA (32)
The first game between Bukit Jalil Sports School Malaysia (BJSS) and Pacific Rim set the scene for the day as the game went goal for goal throughout and was an absolute showcase of skill, drive and competitiveness.
The young BJSS team proved why seven of their players are representing Malaysia in the World Netball Champs come July as they put on a gutsy display despite finishing behind Pacific Rim 36-32 at the final whistle.
Pacific Rim managed to stay composed throughout and were rewarded by a great shooting performance by Goal Shoot Nivique Chang-Rasmussen (niece of Grace and Rachel Rasmussen) who shot at 89%. Centre for Pacific Rim Rebecca Roache dominated the midcourt both on attack and defence.
A standout player for BJSS was Goal Attack Noramirah Dayana Noor Azhar who drove with speed into the shooting circle and created plenty of space for shooter Norashikin Kamal Zaman. The defensive duo of Siti Norfarhana Mustafa and Nurshamilia Md Samsudin were also on fire, doing their best to shut down the Pacific Rim shooting team.
SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (32) DEFEAT AOTEAROA MAORI (27)
For the first couple of minutes it was all School Sport Australia as they took on Aotearoa Maori for the 2nd game of the day.
BUT then Aotearoa Maori pull back and that was the theme for the game - School Sport Australia surge ahead, Aotearoa Maori fight back.
Led by Captain Kaitlyn Bryce, playing a brilliant game at Goal Attack, the Australian team looked sharp and determined as they, at times, got out to a 10 goal lead. Goal Defence for Australia, Kristiana Manu'a, was formidable on defence and was incredible to watch as she flew for intercepts and hunted every ball that came her way.
Although slow to find their feet, Aotearoa Maori proved they also have a few tricks up their sleeve as they continuously clawed back at School Sport Australia's lead. Centre Tawari Vercoe had a great contesting battle with School Sport Australia Centre Dominique Scott, the tussle was a great spectacle to watch. Aotearoa Maori Goal Shoot Sharni Lintern managed to hold her space in the circle and was great for the rebound.
NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS (48) DEFEAT INDIGENOUS SCHOOL SPORT AUSTRALIA (20)
Despite the large goal difference in the final score, this match was anything but a bore. Both sides displayed a great amount of athleticism and a desire to play their best.
New Zealand Secondary Schools (NZSS) coaches, Helene Wilson and Natalie Avellino (Asst) opted to try a number of combinations throughout the game and were rewarded by their players as they adjusted and edged ahead by more every quarter.
NZSS captain Tera-Maria Amani was strong and accurate under the hoop, shooting 22/25 goals at 88% and was quite the standout performer. Down the other end of the court it seemed as though the NZSS team had many impenetrable defence options as Aisha Bower, Phoenix Karaka and Greer Patterson worked tirelessly to shut down Indigenous School Sport Australia's attacking end. Midcourters Nadia Loveday and Sam Sinclair began to form a great combination and when Renee te Riini came on at WD and C in the second half, the midcourt picked up many intercepts.
For the Indigenous School Sport Australia team Goal Attack Tommaya Kelly-Sines really stood up, despite a towering NZSS defence. Kelly-Sines was quick around the circle and had great vision into Goal Shoot Taylor Norrie. Centre for ISSA Danielle Trindle-Price showed great skill as she contested every ball alongside team mate Krissa Nielson, who disrupted NZSS by applying some great over the ball pressure.