Many have tried and some have come close, but on Friday (May 28) night the Hāwea A netball team became the first to inflict a defeat on the Men’s A grade netball team, winning 44-41 at the Wanaka Recreation Centre.

This is the second season a men’s side has played in the Upper Clutha A grade netball round robin matches. They won all their matches in 2020, with their physical presence and extra height proving too much of an advantage - until now.

“It was a tough battle out there. The men were great contenders but the ladies worked that extra bit harder and possibly wanted it just that little bit more,” Hāwea coach Cholena Perry said. 

“We all know the men have a target on their backs. We all want to beat them.”

Hāwea A are the defending A grade champions and have been in scintillating form this season. They executed a tight one-on-one defence to perfection to upset the men's attack and stop the flow of possession into the shooting circle.

On attack, Hāwea’s ball movement was at pace, using all their gile and experience to move the ball quickly through the court and negate the height advantage of the men's defence.

The match was tied up 20-20 at the halftime break and the men took a three goal advantage into the final quarter 32-29. Hāwea kept their focus and delivered a 15 goal fourth quarter to take the win.

For Hāwea this was a full team effort built on a great defensive display.  

Under New Zealand Netball rules the men cannot contest the competition.

In other A Grade games; Molyneux A beat Cromwell A 45-36 and Dunstan A beat MANC A

46-26. Pioneer A had the bye.

PHOTO: Supplied