Harlequins Totalspan dug deep to end the three-year reign of Marlborough premier netball champions Pelorus Edridge Contracting at Stadium 2000 today.
The Mighty Quins, beaten finalists in the three previous premier finals, prevailed 47-44 in an enthralling match.
As is the case in many finals between such evenly-matched sides, play was often unstructured, marked by desperate defense, some hopeful passing and plenty of turnovers.
Both sides won two quarters apiece, Harlequins having slightly more possession and forging an early four or five lead that was equalled at one stage, but never surpassed by their rivals.
The match began in sad fashion, Pelorus goal attack Courtney Taufa being forced from the court with what appeared a serious leg injury after nine minutes. She was replaced by Mele Moli, the resulting reshuffle disrupting the Dark Blues’ rhythm for the remainder of the first quarter, after which Quins led 14-11.
Midway through the second stanza they increased that lead to 22-17 before Pelorus, on the back of some superb pressure shots from Anel Moli, levelled the scoreline at 22-22 with three minutes to play before halftime. However, that was as close as they got, Quins landing the last two goals of the half to lead 24-22 at the main break.
The scoreline see-sawed back and forth in the third quarter, which Quins won by two to push ahead 36-32, and it was more of the same in the final 15 minutes, Quins establishing a five-goal lead with three minutes to play.
However, just when it looked as if the result was decided, a turnover gave the defending champs late hope, two quick goals closing the gap to two.
Pelorus reclaimed possession, their supporters urging them on, but as the clock ticked down a speculative shot went astray, leaving Quins free to pass the ball around court before finding their ever-reliable shooter Wiri Bristowe who sealed the deal.
Players from both sides can be praised for putting on such an entertaining, fully committed match.
Quins were superbly led by inspirational skipper Wendy Trolove, who continually claimed possession in the defensive circle with well-timed leaps. Her circle partner Delyth James-Sitters was an admirable and energetic foil.
Bridget Gane continues to show the younger brigade how a midcourter should operate, her tireless work on both attack and defence an inspiration.
Lauren Murray, who has been part of many champion sides, was also hugely instrumental in Quins’ victory. Her work rate outside the circle and ability to create space a key part of her side’s success.
Paige O'Brien, Natalie Spence and substitute Zara Jopson were also instrumental in Quins' victory.
Pelorus had plenty of top performer too. Middies Stormy Tupara and Bex Mark were, as always, lively and accurate while defenders Oriana Houra, Mya Gibbons and Izzy Tupouto’a were quick to seize on any Quins’ inaccuracy.
However, the day belonged to Quins, who have improved as the season has progressed, and got the job done on the region’s biggest stage.
Quins’ skipper Trolove described the game as, “a hustle”.
“It was a real grind out there. Heading into it we knew that the team with the most composure would do it. Sometimes it seemed neither of us had much composure out there, there was quite a bit of erratic play, but we ground it out.
“It was obviously devastating for them to lose Court so early on, but credit to Pelorus because it didn’t seem to shift their game style too much.
“We just knew we had to give it everything … I said to the girls at the beginning ‘you need to be crawling off court’ and I think they just about were.
“It is really pleasing to stop their run at the top and do it for the Quins.”
Pelorus co-captain Mark said, “we worked as hard as we could on court but just couldn’t get there. But I am really proud of everyone for their efforts through each quarter.”
She said although the side were “devastated” by the early injury, the depth of talent among their players shone through, testament to their regular squad rotation throughout the season.
Premier final scores: Harlequins Totalspan 47 (Wiri Bristowe 30/40, Lauren Murray 17/32) Pelorus Edridge Contracting 44 (Anel Moli 37/48, Courtney Taufa 1/1, Mele Moli 6/14). Quarter scores (winning team first): 14-11, 10-11, 12-10, 11-12.
