WAIBOP Matarau took the court for their second match of the season against a tough Mainland side at Claudelands Arena. It was a shaky start, with the team losing their first centre pass and quickly trailing 4–1. Despite a few strategic changes, Matarau ended the first quarter down 8–15.
The second quarter saw a much-needed lift in energy and execution, with Matarau clawing their way back to even the score at 19–19. But Mainland responded just before halftime, pushing ahead 24–19 by the break.
Mainland came out firing in the third, extending their lead with relentless pressure and precision, and Matarau found themselves behind 42–28 heading into the final quarter.
Fired up and determined not to go down without a fight, Matarau dominated the last spell 18–11, showing grit and resilience right to the final whistle. Despite the late surge, it wasn’t quite enough to close the gap, with Mainland taking the win 53–46.
Plenty of positives to build on, and the team will be back stronger next game.
