The first game for our WBOP Beko team in round 1 of the Beko National League, resulted in a win against Mainland, at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua.
With the mix of youth, experience and the inclusion of three WBOP Magic players (all of whom have played fewer than 36 quarters in the ANZ Premiership) - Kelsey McPhee, Jenna O’Sullivan and Sydney Fraser; Rebecca Gabel (Head Coach) and Sonya Noble (Assistant Coach) were excited to see what the team could produce in their first outing.
The start of the first quarter saw Mainland gain a 2 nil lead, before the team settled in and gained momentum. Kelsey McPhee at GS commanded the ball, and provided clear and open options for Ali Wilshier at C and Sydney Fraser at WA, who delivered quality ball into the circle. WBOP led by 3 going into the second quarter.
The defensive trio of Jenna O’Sullivan (GD) and Georgie Edgecombe (WD), who were ably led by captain Georgia Tong (GK), worked tirelessly on defense to create pressure and win valuable ball, which was converted on attack, and the team led 32-23 at half time.
The third quarter saw the introduction of 16-year-old Khiarna Williams into GS, the youngest player in the WaiBOP side, who shot 90% in the second half. Changes were made in the Mainland side, which the team took time to adjust to - going down in the third quarter by 5, however still led the game 44-38.
The Mainland team continued to build in the fourth quarter and got within 2 goals, however the connections, the fight, and the resolve from within the WaiBOP team held firm, and shut Mainland out to finish the game 5 ahead. Final score 55-50 to WaiBOP.
Overall, while performance was inconsistent through-out the four quarters - the patches of brilliance gave glimpses of what the team is capable of and provided a platform to build upon over the coming weeks.
MILESTONES & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Sydney Fraser - Magic Player, first Beko game since the return from a major injury.
WaiBOP Beko debutants: Summer Parekura, Georgie Edgecombe and Braxton Te Riini.
Vs Mainland
Energy Events Centre, ROTORUA
Sunday 3rd March 2019, 12.10pm
|
1st Q |
2nd Q |
3rd Q |
4th Q |
Shooting |
|
|
Kelsey McPhee |
GS |
GS |
30/37 = 81% |
||
|
Khiarna Williams |
GS |
GS |
19/21 = 90% |
||
|
Summer Parekura |
GA |
GA /- |
-/GA |
GA |
5/9 = 56% |
|
Braxton Te Riini |
-/GA |
GA/ - |
WA |
1 / 2 = 50% |
|
|
Ali Wilshier |
C |
C |
C |
C |
TOTAL WBOP |
|
Georgie Edgecombe |
WD |
WD |
WD |
WD |
55/69 = 80% |
|
Jenna O’Sullivan |
GD |
GD |
GD |
GD |
|
|
Georgia Tong |
GK |
GK |
GK |
GK |
TOTAL MAINLAND |
|
Sydney Fraser |
WA |
WA |
WA |
50/66=76% |
|
|
Lyanne Eukaliti |
|||||
|
QUARTER SCORES |
17-13 |
17-10 |
10-15 |
11-12 |
WBOP –MAINLAND |
|
RUNNING SCORE |
17-13 |
34-23 |
44-38 |
55-50 |
55-50 |
