It is semifinal time in the North Otago premier club competition.
The playoffs this weekend will feature Valley Karaka against Waitaki Girls’ Wildfire, and Maheno playing St Kevin’s College.
In a potential preview of an all-country final, Valley beat Maheno 28-23 on Saturday in a round moved indoors due to yet another inclement weekend.
The top-of-the-table clash was always going to be a physical encounter, and the relatively low scoring indicated it was a day for defenders to shine.
It was 11-11 at halftime, and both teams won two quarters, but Valley did the damage in the third quarter, which it won by six goals.
Midcourter Mikayla Rowland punched forward and turned over some excellent ball with the other attackers patiently working the ball into the shooters.
Brytnee Firman shot superbly for Valley, while defender Izzy Hurst did well to shut down the Maheno shooters.
Maheno had the consolation of finishing strongly, and it will relish an opportunity for a rematch if it can reach the final.
Its team defence was a feature, as Melissa Smith, Ella Brown and Hayley Lawrence caused plenty of headaches for Valley.
Waitaki Girls’ Wildfire knew it had to beat Kurow by two goals to reach the semifinals, and just did enough, winning 31-28.
Wildfire played with confidence and conviction, leading 14-11 at halftime and staying in control at 23-19 after three quarters.
Goal keep Jorja Belt was in fine form for the schoolgirls, while Emily Neal and Mya Nicol shone in the midcourt.
Kurow was hamstrung by only having seven players but competed well. Brianna Butcher showed her shooting range at goal attack.
Waitaki Girls’ Lightning Strike emerged a 38-36 winner after a titanic tussle with Athletic Maroon.
Athletic put up a solid defensive effort but Waitaki wing attack Monica Ferguson and goal Emily Mavor were able to find ways through.
The Oamaru Men beat St Kevin’s 45-33.
