After four quarters of netball the two top sides in the Netball Upper Clutha A Grade competition could not be separated, recording a 33-33 draw at the Wanaka Recreation Centre last Friday (7 August).

Local hope Lake Hawea Hotel played Alexandra’s Molyneux A in a much anticipated clash with both sides going into the match unbeaten this season.

This was always going to be a physical fast game of netball. Hawea controlled the early part of the match and looked to have the measure of their central otago opponents. Just 24 goals were scored in the first half after both sides' defensive ends worked overtime to thwart attacking opportunities.

Hawea went to the break 14-10 ahead.

Molyneux started the third quarter confidently and pulled back the arrears to tie the match up at the end of the quarter 22-22.

In the final quarter both sides worked hard throughout the court in front of a vocal spectator group. Despite their efforts the sides could not be separated and the final score of 33-33 was a fitting finish to a thrilling match.

In the other A grade games, Dunstan A showed Dan’s Men’s team how fast and strong they were, with Dunstan A leading convincingly through the first half. The men stepped up their game in the third quarter and looked like a different side. Dunstan could not hold onto the game with the men taking the win.

The men may have the height, but Dunstan showed them a thing or too.

On the other court, Pioneer found the rhythm that had been alluding them all season. Taking the early lead against Cromwell only stirred Cromwell to come back fighting. An even contest for the majority of the game with the score relatively even throughout.

Cromwell had the final say,  pulling away at the end for the win. MANC A had the Bye.

Scores:

Molyneux 33 Hawea 33

Dunstan A 48 Men’s Team 56

Cromwell 47 Pioneer 42

For more results click here.

PHOTOS: Supplied