“I couldn’t have asked for more from the girls.”

They were the words of Greymouth Petroleum Taranaki Open Representative team   coach Che Tamati yesterday after his team completed a second successive season unbeaten last weekend.

Taranaki played eight and won eight at three tournaments with a squad full of debutants. Only Jane Parker, Amber Ormond, Heidi Keiser and Connie Clement had previously played for the Open team.

There was a touch of irony, with Manawatu coming to Taranaki tomorrow to challenge for the Ranfurly Shield, that the closest encounter for Che Tamati’s team was its last one – against Manawatu in Palmerston North.

“I would hate to think we were complacent, but they kept coming at us,” defender Jane Parker said.

Taranaki led for most of the encounter, and at one point had a healthy six goal cushion, but saw it whittled down as full time neared. The gap was just two at the end – 29-27.

Highlights for Taranaki during the season included a resounding 83-51 win over Wellington in Whanganui, when Taranaki hosted a tournament also involving Hutt Valley.

Naumai Spark premier shooter Aliena Wallis’ outstanding form was rewarded when she was selected by Netball Central Zone Performance Director Waimarama Taumaunu in the 2018 Central Zone Beko Wider Squad.

The squad, captained by Hannah Kelly, also features Wellington based Taranaki products Kate Wells and Jenna Barrett.

“It’s good to be able to sit back and see everything come together – it’s a good sign we’re on the right track,” Che Tamati added.

Taranaki’s eight wins: September 10 in Whanganui, beat Hutt Valley 58-42 and Wellington 83-51; September 17 in Wellington beat Kapi Mana 45–34, Wellington 41-37 and Hutt Valley 49-28; October 9 in Palmerston North beat Kapi Mana 34-28, Wellington 34-28 and Manawatu 29 -27.

Team photo: back row, from left, Che Tamati (Coach), Hannah Kelly (C), Jane Parker, Aliena Wallis, Connie Clement, Amber Ormond, Rebecca Jury, Anna Winks (Physio), Geri Paul (Trainer). Front Row: Jill Warner (Manager), Tiaan Tayor, Taylor Kahui, Hannah Brewer, Sarah Beckett, Heidi Kiser (VC).

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