It was all rough and tumble when Phys Ed B and College A met in the Dunedin premier competition yesterday.
Teams fought it out in a double round this weekend and as the business end of the competition approaches, games have intensified.
College won 47-33 but only after a physical battle against Phys Ed.
Multiple contact calls were made by umpires and players collided with the floor, with courtside seating, with rubbish bins and with each other as they vied for the ball.
The opening few minutes set the tone of the game.
Both sides scored off their opposition's opening centre pass, and play remained scrappy and frantic throughout.
Despite a zealous effort from Phys Ed, College clawed into an early lead, ending the first half ahead 21-13.
Steel defender Demelza McCloud was pivotal for College in the goal circle, her height effectively stopping any lob passes into Phys Ed shooters and making it difficult for feeders to supply ball.
College extended its lead to 32-22 in the third quarter.
Phys Ed started the final quarter with a determined effort, managing to close the gap to seven goals before College fought back.
College dominated the last few minutes of play to finish with a 14-goal lead.
In yesterday's other matches, Southern A beat Southern B 82-36 and University-Albion A took out Columba Senior A 81-44.
On Saturday, University-Albion A beat Phys Ed B 60-53, Southern A beat College A 51-26 and Southern B narrowly beat Columba Senior A 51-50.
By Lauren Hayes.
