A last-minute goal by Tysons East goal shoot Amber Ormond has secured a pulsating 61-60 win against Naumai in Taranaki’s premier netball competition at the TSB Stadium on Thursday night.

The win means Tysons go to the top-of-the-premier standings after four rounds of grading matches, equal with Naumai after they were previously unbeaten and only two points separated the teams.  

If it wasn’t for Naumai’s risky passing in the final minute, that allowed Tysons to take control of the possession, they could have maintained their clean sweep. 

Tysons had control in the opening two quarters as wing attack Nikita Roberts, goal shoot Rhiannon Utton and Ormond formed seamless combinations from quick interjections of passing.

The Waitara club also slowed down Naumai’s attack with captain and defender Liz Tuki swung the momentum and forced the error rate to increase. 

After being down 32-23 at halftime, Naumai started their comeback in the third quarter and closed the margin by one point, exciting a healthy crowd. 

Naumai’s fight back was thanks to centre Ricki Lockley who linked well with goal attack Vanessa Weir and goal shoot Taylah Kahui, as Tuki and Ormond were substituted.

Tysons maintained control of the lead at the end of the third quarter by 48-43 until Naumai closed the gap again drawing level in the dying stages of the game.

Kahui’s shooting was improved in the final quarter attempting to control their winning streak until Ormond, who only missed one goal from 28, capped off an impressive performance under the net.

Inglewood thumped New Plymouth Girls’ High School 71-26 in the earlier match at the TSB Stadium.

Girls’ High were depleted with at least two players withdrawing due to injuries.

The win is Inglewood’s third, putting pressure on Naumai at the top end of the table.

New Plymouth Old Boys bounced back from last week’s loss with a 64-46 win against Stratford/Eltham.

The central-Taranaki side are still at the bottom of the table looking for a win before the grading round is finished.   

Article added: Friday 31 July 2020