THE GIANTS asserted themselves on the Trans-Tasman Challenge, winning all three of their games against their three New Zealand opponents. Despite being pushed to their limits by the Northern Stars, Northern Mystics and Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, the GIANTS dug deep using their versatility and experience to close out games and return home with an unbeaten record. The tournament allowed all four sides to tinker with their line-up and test new combinations across the court ahead of their respective seasons.

GIANTS Netball (67) defeated Northern Stars (52)

It was a solid performance from the GIANTS who took it to the Northern Stars denying any easy ball movement and combating their zone defence with their clever ball placement and strong drives. The away side started strong but the Stars showed they were ready for the fight working their way back into the contest to tie things up late in the first. But the GIANTS pulled away in the following quarters linking up effortlessly across the court to manoeuvre the ball down the court and transition with ease. The GIANTS displayed their depth in the goal circle with England Roses star Jo Harten resorting to her usual position in goal shooter. Harten paired well with youngster Kiera Austin with the two moving well in the circle and opening up space with their movement. Defensively the Stars could not contain the duo with Trinidad and Tobago goal keeper Daystar Swift and Kate Burley struggling to stop the connection between the GIANTS goalers. Young academy athlete Olivia Rowntree also stepped out onto court for the first time with the defender making the most of her opportunities down back with the likes of experience head Sam Poolman guiding her. However, the GIANTS were not the only side to try out new combinations with Stars shooter Maia Wilson testing her hand in goal attack leaving new comer Juliana Naoupu under the post. The connection between Grace Kara and Lisa Maher through the midcourt improved for the Stars with the two finding good space and using their dynamic footwork to hit circle edge. There was plenty of positives to come out of the match for both sides given the depth of talent and ability to chop and change players.

GIANTS Netball (66) defeated Northern Mystics (56)

The Northern Mystics got off to a flyer jumping out of the blocks thanks to their strong defensive work to pick off passes and force turnovers. The lead ebbed and flowed throughout the game with the GIANTS holding a mere three goal lead at three quarter time after the Mystics had led for the majority of the game thanks to their accuracy to post and understanding. But it was all the GIANTS way in the fourth, piercing the defence with their bullet like passes and backing themselves in the contest to hunt the ball and take an intercept. The pre-season tournament proved to be a good opportunity for sides to test out new combinations and positions with Amy Parmenter finding her feet in wing attack. The wing defence come centre showcased her brilliance in the attacking third using her change of pace and good vision to have an impact while Toni Anderson impressed in her outing against the Mystics using her strength and netball nous to have an impact. Youngster Maddie Hay also showed her skillset and composure stepping onto the court in the third term and absorbing the pressure. The GIANTS dominated the Mystics with their class and silky ball movement on full display and while the combination between Phoenix Karaka and Sulu Fitzpatrick worked well it was not enough to stop the GIANTS shooting juggernauts. GIANTS defender Kristiana Manu’a showed plenty of commitment down back and using her leap to swat the ball away from Grace Nweke in the goal circle.

GIANTS Netball (70) defeated Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic (57)

It was a tale of two halves for the GIANTS with the Magic dominating the opening half of netball before the GIANTS turned the tables. Waikato Bay opened-up a strong seven goal lead at half time and looked to have it all going their way thanks to their pressure and a multitude of unforced errors on behalf of the travelling side. But a 20-goal quarter all but changed the Magic’s outlook on the game with the GIANTS pressing hard and using their slick ball movement and accuracy to post to cause havoc. As the game went on the Magic started to tire with the GIANTS going on a 23-goal scoring spree thanks to Caitlin Bassett and Harten in the goal circle. Jamie-Lee Price was solid through the midcourt using her strength around the circle edge to claim prime positioning and deliver well-weighted passes into the shooters. Former GIANTS training partner Georgia Marshall found her feet in the goal circle pairing with Abigail Latu-Meafou while through the midcourt speedster Whitney Souness and Ariana Cable-Dixon got to work using their quick hands and footwork to hit the circle edge and deliver well-weighted passes into the shooters. Despite their best efforts the Magic simply did not have enough in the tank to outrun the GIANTS who relied on their experience to pull through in the final term.