SMOG SS notch win but coach unhappy

SMOG Stainless Systems coach Monica McKone was far from happy, but in the end a strong first-half performance was enough for her side to pick up their first win, 51-38, in round three of the premier netball competition.

SMOG SS beat a young SMOG Marksman Plastering side which put in a much-improved showing after their drubbing by Harlequins RL on Tuesday.

"We've got a bit to work on. We had some good phases but it wasn't consistent," said McKone.

"Defensively, [SMOG MP] played well and put some pressure on us and we were struggling for cohesion."

Pinpoint shooting from goal attack Sophie van Velthooven helped SS opened up a 13-goal buffer by halftime, and it was a buffer they needed. MP charged back in the second half, through some precise shooting of their own from goal shoot Anna Hewson.

They got within two in the third quarter and finished strongly, taking out the final 15 minutes 14-12, in what coach Deb Schollum said was a more aggressive effort from her girls.

"We held our own a bit more tonight and we didn't let them push us around. At times, we played some brilliant netball."

She was pleased with parts of her side's performance and the fact they managed to retain much more of their turnover ball. Along with Hewson, Schollum praised lively centre Jenna Gilbert and wing attack Harriet Ryan, who was tight on defence.

McKone said her side were taking some time to find their rhythm and structure after a couple of weeks off and it would be back to the drawing board before next week. She cited standout efforts from Lauren McArtney at goal keep and Emma Moore at centre, while goal defence Sophie Mackenzie was strong all night.

NETBALL WRAP

Results: SMOG SS 51 (Jaime Campbell 17/27, Sophie van Velthooven 34/39) SMOG MP 38 (Anna Hewson 23/26, Georgie Crawford 15/24). Quarter scores: 13-7, 26-13, 39-24. Standings: PWLDFAB/PPts Pelorus 22001039006 Quins RL21011076705 SMOG PRH21101078614 SMOG SS2110908703 Quins SM2011679102 SMOG MP20207012300

- The Marlborough Express