Phys Ed A kept its unbeaten run alive with a 56-43 win over College A in the premier grade at the weekend.
However, the dogged College A side made Phys Ed work hard right to the final whistle.
Phys Ed started the game strongly, breaking College's centre pass to take an early two-goal lead.
There was plenty of early physicality in the match, as both teams put their bodies on the line to get possession of the ball. Phys Ed wing attack Caroline Crowley hit the floor late in the first quarter, and was stretchered off the court.
Phys Ed led 15-10 at quarter time, but College began to fire in the second quarter, contesting every ball and applying full-court pressure on defence.
College goal defence Renaye Flockton lifted her side with her elevation on defence and explosive attacking.
Phys Ed struggled to connect down the court and looked rattled. College reduced the lead to two goals, but Phys Ed converted a last-second shot to go into halftime up 26-23. A new goal attack was injected into the Phys Ed team, allowing for more movement in the shooting circle.
Phys Ed upped its game in the third quarter, making easy work of College's defensive midcourt zone and scoring 19 goals.
Wing defence Georgie Hunia was tireless for Phys Ed. She got her arms up over the ball and contested on the circle edge.
Errors began to creep into the game in the final quarter with wayward passes and turnovers from both sides.
College A coach Lauren Piebenga thought her ''defence played really well'' but needed to ''finish it off at crucial times''.
In the other premier game at the weekend, the Southern Magpies beat University-Albion 54-53. South Otago High School and Southern Tui are to play at a later date.
By Bridget Rutherford.
