Sunday 23rd April 2023
WBOP travelled to Auckland to take on the Northern Marvels on Sunday. The team had their Captains Run at Netball Waitakere where they were paid a surprise visit from the AVIS Magic team who came in to sing happy birthday to Reeghan de Bono who turned 21 on Sunday. The team then went over to Trusts Arena to get ready for the match.
WBOP had a slow start with the team finding it difficult to connect with each other. They also struggled to get the ball down into the shooting circle, allowing the Marvels to leap out to a 9-goal lead.
Quarter score: 10 – 19 to Marvels
With Liza Ball shifting into GK in the second quarter she was able to gain a few balls, but WBOP continued to make many bad passes allowing the Marvels to extend their lead.
Half time score: 21 – 33 to Marvels
In the third quarter we saw Ashley Maylor come into GA, Arikinoa Shortland came into WA, Georgia Bodle shifting from WA to C, Reeghan de Bono shifting from C to WD, Liza Ball shifting to GD and Monica Faumui coming back on into GK. The team seemed more settled, and their error rate reduced drastically. We saw some great intercepts from both Liza and Georgia and the team managed to win the quarter by 1.
Three quarter score: 37 – 48 to Marvels
WBOP continued to power on in the final quarter with an early run of 5-goals which was pleasant to see. With a couple of errors on the centre-pass the Marvels were able to get a couple of runs for themselves. WBOP winning the quarter by 3-goals.
Final score: 50 – 58 to Marvels
WBOP have shifted into 5th place on the points ladder but will hope to gain a spot or 2 after their final game against the Southern Blast in Hamilton on Sunday 7th May.
