Tysons have taken back their Premier 1 title after beating Stratford Eltham in the Bayleys Taranaki Premier netball final on Saturday.

It was a finals day full of action which started with a very heated Premier 3 game between Naumai and Stratford Eltham with Stratford just taking the lead to win 57-55 after an extra 14 minutes of extra time.   Bailey Ngataierua from Stratford Eltham won MVP.

To a packed stadium, Tysons Nga Manu Toa were determined to win this year.  After an unbeaten season they were favourites but as Tysons captain Amber Ormond says it wasn’t an easy game.   ‘Stratford played really well and put up a good fight.  I think they were missing their defender Lauren Te Whata and in the end our years of experience and strength as a team put us on top.”.  Tysons took the title 65-50.

What was driving Tysons this year?  “We always aspire to win and we do it for each other.  Ivy was in our thoughts and that made it extra significant.  It was great to know Garry, her husband, was there supporting us from the side-lines”.  Ivy Topping, who founded the Tysons club, passed away in June.

Ava Topping, Ivy’s grand-daughter was also playing on Saturday for the Premier 2 NPGHS team.  Premier 2 saw Tysons Korimako beat NPGHS 56-50 in another close game.  Tenaeya Sutcliffe from Tysons won MVP in the Premier 2 game.

Dominic Williams-Ridings was awarded Premier 1’s Most Valued Player.  “Dom is just an outstanding player.  It is so great to have males in the team who give an extra depth to the game.” Says Ormond. 

Congratulations to the ball deliverers who did an amazing job.  Indie and Grace Kiser for Premier 3,  Gabbie Taituha and Jaykhan Walden for Premier 2 and Georgia Bridgeman for Premier 1.

Thanks to Bayleys Taranaki there was also fun for the kids during the half time ‘Shoot to Win’.

Article added: Tuesday 30 July 2024