Saturday 27th April 2024
The team knew they had to work hard coming up against the Northern Comets who had won their first two games. Having met the Comets in the preseason, the team had a better understanding of the players and how physical they were.
As expected, both teams started the first quarter very strong and got into their rhythm early. We saw a gain and an intercept from Reeghan de Bono in the first quarter along with six pick-ups from WBOP, giving them a couple of runs of three. But with 5 missed goals by the WBOP shooters Comets won the first quarter 15 – 17.
Quarter score: 15 – 17 to Comets
In the second quarter we saw the WBOP defensive pressure cause Comets to make multiple errors. Halaevalu Toutaiolepo in GD picking up two gains, one intercept and a defensive rebound. Both Kate Taylor and Jade Kawhe scoring 100%, WBOP winning the quarter 16 – 15.
Half time score: 31 – 32 to Comets
In the third quarter we saw WBOP make one general play turnover, but with no gains made throughout the quarter and the shooters missing 5 goals, allowed the Comets win the quarter 12 – 14.
Three quarter score: 43 – 46 to Comets
The final quarter was a great battle with WBOP needing to work harder to not get a second loss of the season. The team continued to control the ball making minimal errors and forcing Comets to make more errors. We saw both shooters put up great volume. The team pulled the score to a draw with 20 seconds left on the clock. Comets gained a penalty in the shooting circle on the fulltime whistle, with the GA unable score the goal. WBOP winning the quarter 16 – 13.
Full time score: 59 – 59 Draw
It was a thrilling match to watch with both teams playing with lots of intensity. The speed through the court was exciting and the composure of WBOP to pull back the score in the final spiel was great to see.
The team head into a bye in round 4 and will play next in Rotorua against Southern Blast on Saturday 11th May.
