Indoor Open Grade Premier 2025: 29th May Week 5

 

By Judy Macdonald

Stella Isbister at GA for St Peter's Premier

Thank you to our sponsors Lodge Real Estate

Indoor Open Grade Premier Results Week 5

• HGHS Old Girls Premier 28 vs FTNC Premier 60
• Align Health Rangers Premier Reserves 58 vs FTNC Premier Reserves 38
• University of Waikato Premier 49 vs Align Health Rangers Premier 60
• HGHS Langman 52 vs Allied HOB Collins Premier 34
• Marist Verdettes Premier 23 vs Northern United Sports Club Mamba 57
• Turangawaewae Premier 33 vs St Peter’s Premier 37
• Melville Vetora Premier 31 vs Waikato Diocesan for Girls Premier 27
• University of Waikato Premier Reserves 40 vs St Paul’s Collegiate Premier 30

 

Premier A

Align Health Rangers Premier and University of Waikato Premier had an exciting game with the first quarter very close with just two goals the difference. At half time Rangers Premier led by 32 goals to 28. The next quarter was also close. Rangers Premier finished with a massive final quarter to win the game 60 goals to 49. The score however was not a reflection of the game. Rangers Premier got off to a strong start, jumping out to an early lead by forcing several turnovers and disrupting University Premier’s rhythm through the court. Emily Ussher at goal attack controlled the attacking end superbly in the first half, with Arikinoa Shortland taking over seamlessly in the second half. It was also fantastic to see Abby Bartels make her debut at goal shoot playing three quarters.

Bench officials Lillian Martin, Cherie Gill and Ava Gill

The match remained close, with the margin staying within five goals until the final quarter. It was impressive to see the team's composure and control as they responded confidently to University Premier’s momentum swings. At times, the full-court defence was outstanding—creating significant pressure, producing key intercepts, and ultimately helping the team pull away in the final minutes. For University Premier players they were very proud of the side for producing an amazing three-quarter performance. The young circle defence Jameelah Warner-Morris, Hinemaioha Rollenston-Gabel and Holly Matson worked tirelessly against some past experienced NNL (National Netball League) shooters and got their hands on some great ball. The last quarter the team let Rangers get away with some poor decision making under fatigue. Overall, a great game against an experienced side who are leading the competition.

 

Emily Ussher at GA for Align Health Rangers Premier

HGHS Langman had a good win over Allied HOB Collins Premier leading 28 goals to 16 at half time due to a slow start by Allied Premier. The school team won the game 52 goals to 34 but the final quarter was a draw. All a little too late for Allied. 

Align Health Rangers Premier Reserves were confident in their game against FTNC Premier Reserve and they were leading 30 goals to 19 at half time and won the game 58 goals to 38.

FTNC Premier were dominant in their game against HGHS Old Girls Premier due to a very low scoring first quarter by them. At half time, the score was 27 goals to 12 and FTNC Premier won 60 goals to 28.

 Premier B

St Peter’s Premier and Turangawaewae Premier had a close game that was goal for goal. Turangawaewae Premier had a one goal lead at the end of first quarter and the second quarter was a draw, so they led 19 goals to 18 at half time. In the third quarter, St Peter’s managed to creep ahead to lead by one goal at the end of the third quarter. They were also able to finish strongly winning the game by 37 goals to 33. Again, the score is not a reflection on how close the game was. For Turangawaewae the whole team was committed and defensively had an attempt at everything showing grit and commitment. For St Peter’s it was a tight, physical match with both teams creating lots of defensive pressure and turnover ball. Team management were proud of the team for sticking to their jobs and adapting seamlessly to changes. Holly Proudlock and Natalie Johnson were particularly strong in the defensive circle winning crucial ball throughout the game. 

Erin Hunt at WA for Melville Vetora Premier

Melville Vetora Premier and Waikato Diocesan for Girls Premier also had a close game despite a slow start by Waikato Diocesan. Melville led at end of first quarter by five goals, but this was reduced by a goal at half time with the score being 16 goals to 12. Waikato Diocesan had a great third quarter to get within two goals, but Melville were able to get ahead in the final quarter winning the game 31 goals to 27. For Melville it was a good start and after a poor third quarter the team did not give up. Ashley Tualauleilei at centre and Erin Hunt at wing attack in midcourt got some great ball into the shooters. Defence pairing of Danielle Saint and Lily Sparks caused turnovers which supported in the win. For Waikato Diocesan the team were disappointed with not taking the win after a slow start but were pleased to win the second and third quarters. The team is rebuilding and are learning as they go improving connections on court. Hannah Wallace at wing defence and Ruby Wilson at centre applied some great pressure pushing the opposition wide and getting hand to ball. Grace Farrelly, who has been elevated into the team from the reserves team, came on court in the third quarter with intent and a purpose which made a positive impact.

University of Waikato Premier Reserves were tested this week by St Paul’s Premier with a strong first quarter by the school team.  At half time University Premier Reserves led by 19 goals to 17.  They then had a massive third quarter to led by 10 goals.  The final quarter was a draw with the fulltime score being 40 goals to 30.

 

Northern United Sports Club Mamba were too good this week for Marist Verdettes Premier and they led the game from start to finish, winning every quarter. The half time score was 36 goals to 10 and the fulltime score was 57 goals to 23.