From 34 starters, 16 teams have emerged as title contenders after the completion of pool play on the second day of the 2023 Celebration Box Netball NZ U18 Champs in Hamilton on Tuesday.
The first and second place-getters from the eight pools have progressed to the 1-16 play-offs tomorrow (Wednesday) for the first of the post-pool contests where the stakes will rise a notch or two.
"Today was better than the opening day’s play because the weather was better which meant more flow in games and better skills,’’ Netball NZ U21 assistant coach Te Aroha Keenan said.
"While it was still in the round robin stages, it meant there were some really one-sided results, so they were quite predictable as to where they were going on that side of things but that is all about to change.’’
With Wellington Black, Auckland 1, Waitakere 1, Hamilton City A and Howick Pakuranga emerging as front-runners in the early stages, Keenan was mindful the real interest will start tomorrow when the cross-over match-ups get underway.
"We want to see some harder games and it will be when their skills are challenged that we will get to see where the teams stand,’’ she said. "At this point there are eight teams at the top of their pools but those sitting in second spot could topple a pool-topper once the cross-over games get under way.
"Coaches have also played their full squads to this point which is a good thing but they will start to refine that as we go along which could also change things up.’’
Seven teams -- Auckland 1, Auckland 2, Waitakere 1, Wellington A Black, Howick Pakuranga, Hamilton City A and Invercargill – have come through round robin play with their unbeaten records intact but will face sterner examinations tomorrow.
Honouring former Silver Ferns great Margaret Forsyth, who passed away in 2021, teams are vying for the trophy which bears her name and which will be presented to the winners by her mother and son, on Thursday.
In the new U17 men’s division, which has been included at the event for the first time, Waitakere continue to set the pace to remain unbeaten after two days of play.
Sitting on a perfect four wins from four, Waitakere are closely followed by Hutt Valley and Hamilton City who have both clinched three wins apiece from their four outings.
For day-to-day progress results and standings, click here.