Central Otago
By RHYS CHAMBERLAIN
Molyneux A extended its lead in the Central Otago netball competition when it handed a comprehensive 31-19 defeat to Cromwell College A on Saturday.
However, it wasn't all roses for the competition leader as it only led 14-8 at half-time due to a lack of fluency through mid-court leading to a number of turnovers.
The defensive pairing of Hannah Richardson (goal keep) and Tania Gillaly (goal defence) for Molyneux A came to the party in the second half, stepping up the defence around the circle and culling any opportunity for easy goals.
Cromwell College A's best player was Abby Holden at wing attack, while Roisin de Burgess, at goal defence, also played a strong game.
Dunstan High School A also recorded a big win, beating Hillview Black 36-15.
Hillview struggled throughout the match to keep up with the speed and agility of the well-drilled students, Jonelle Fulton again showing she is a player to watch for the future with another commanding performance from goal defence.
Jess Gourlay (goal shoot) showed her increasing confidence and shot well.
Hillview Black's best player was Kelsey Tyrrell in its defensive circle.
The best and closest game of the afternoon came when Roxburgh Kilties and Ex Girls met, Roxburgh winning the gritty contest 29-25.
Goal shoot Pip Eckhoff was in outstanding form for Roxburgh, shooting 25 goals from 29 attempts to guide her side to the win.
Ex Girls' defence kept it in the match, Kerry Fahey at goal defence and Sharlene Hayward at goal keep the best players in the losing side.
North Otago
By HAYDEN MEIKLE
Kurow and Rovers remained on track for the North Otago club netball play-offs when both had convincing top-four wins in Oamaru on Saturday.
Kurow sealed first place with a week to spare by thumping Athletic Maroon 51-17, while Rovers finished strongly to beat Waitaki Red 36-25.
There will be a Kurow-Rovers clash this weekend, but the result is essentially irrelevant, as Kurow will go into the following weekend's semifinals as the No 1 qualifier and Rovers is guaranteed to play in the 3 v 4 semifinal.
Rovers started a little sluggishly against Waitaki Girls, with the school team shooting well and taking a 17-16 lead into the second half.
Goal shoot Lydia Wood was in fine touch for the school team.
Rovers changed its line-up at half-time and tightened up defensively, with goal keep Paula Simes a staunch presence in the circle.
Rovers lifted the tempo and ran away with the game.
Kurow welcomed back Canterbury Tactix shooter Angela Mitchell and the former Silver Fern was an influential figure in the defeat of Athletic Maroon.
Mitchell and goal shoot Kate Taylor combined well and Kurow's defence through the court was impressive.
Kurow led only 11-9 after the first quarter, but pulled out to 23-11 at half-time.
In the other premier games, St Kevins bounced back from last week's loss to Valley Blue with a 27-17 win against East Otago, and Valley was beaten 41-28 by Athletic Gold.
Hockey
Jayden Caldwell fired in four goals to lead the Hatch Cup boys team to a 10-1 win against St Kevins Red.
Matching that feat, Emma Savage had four goals in the Waitaki Girls First XI's 10-0 win against Waitaki Red.
Sarah Dick scored twice to lead Pirata Blue to a 3-1 win against St Kevins College, while Janine Stackhouse had a hat trick in Pirata Black's 3-0 win against Waitaki Black.
South Otago
By NORMAN WOODS
The Southern Region rugby player of the year awards will be presented at the Toko Rugby Club on Friday, August 14, starting at 7.30pm.
The guest speakers are former All Black prop Kees Meeuws and Otago loose forward Paul Grant, an old boy of South Otago High School.
This is a chance to acknowledge the achievements and contributions during the 2009 season.
Contact Dianne Knight (03 417-8829) or Robyn Calder (03 417-8693) for further details.
