Bayleys premier one netball final on Saturday is a classic David versus Goliath match-up.
While Tysons Toa went through the season unbeaten, the seven-time defending champions did suffer a surprise draw against their finals opposition New Plymouth Old Boys (NPOB).

NPOB finished the two-round season in third place and last won a premier one title in 2009. In last week’s semi-final, they upset last year’s finalised Inglewood Summit 57-51 in extra time. 

NPOB coach Kristie Waretini (pictured) said the final round robin match against Raukura prepared NPOB for the semi-final. The team had been building well since the beginning of the second round.

They did suffer a blow earlier in the year when Ally Te Pau Konui was ruled out of the season because of a serious injury. It forced NPOB to test their depth.

“The overall feeling in the team was calm but with a few nerves, understandably,” she said about last week’s match.

NPOB managed to stop the quick succession of Inglewood’s goals in the first quarter. They were able to build momentum and their game flowed in the last quarter.

“Thankfully the passes were sticking, space was starting to open up and we were building confidence to let the ball and our game flow.”

But she knows this weekend’s match will be a different challenge.

“Tysons are very experienced, well-rounded team and they will be hard to beat on any given day.”

The majority of Tysons’ team has played finals before and have had that exposure, she said.

But anything can happen on the day.

“Netball is a simple game. We get 50% of the possession and it’s how we use our 50% is what’s going to make the difference on Saturday,” she said.

Waretini has been happy with NPOB’s defensive work and moving the ball down to the shooting end.

Tysons captain Amber Ormond said drawing against NPOB during the season was a great catalyst for the team to ensure they are consistent in the final.

“Obviously, they are a great team having been able to upset Inglewood to get into this position,” she said.

They did beat Inglewood Aspiring comfortably in the other semi-final.

The team culture has been a standout to Ormond, especially this year.

“We have no issue with pulling each other up with a sub-par performance and nobody takes it to hear because ultimately it makes us a better team.”

She said the team is excited with another opportunity to play in a final for their families and netball community.

“It’s great to be able to keep the buzz alive for netball in our region.”

Centre pass is at 4:30pm.

In the premier two final, Naumai Metcalf Real Estate will play Sacred Heart Girls’ College (SHGC) at 2:30pm.

Naumai only lost one game this season, while SHGC lost three.

Unbeaten Bell Block Marist Dragons will play Tukapa at 12:30pm in the premier three final.

Article added: Wednesday 08 June 2022