New Zealand
Day 2
Trans-Tasman rivalry fires up Monash teams
After the enjoyment of a traditional welcome and opening night activities, it was down to business the next morning for our four teams.
The mens basketball had an early start, meeting for a pre-game chat at 8.30am and taking some time to shake off nerves in their first match. The game was interrupted by a fire alarm five minutes into the first quarter and players had to wait 15 minutes before the fire brigade allowed them back in the building.
Netball and badminton teams had a easier run in their first games. Our state and national representatives showed their depth of experience to dominate less-skilled New Zealand teams.
Players have also been regularly receiving positive comments about the distinctive TeamMONASH hoodies and the support our teams are giving to their Monash colleagues.
Basketball
Monash 59 lost to Massey Palmerston North 63
Not much was known about the opposition but early in the game it was obvious Massey players were used to physical games and the umpires were happy to allow elbows and body checks. Big centre Reinier Vreend was elbowed in the head by a wildly swinging Massey player and received no help from the referee. The imposing physical size of two opposition players rattled Monash in the first quarter and Massey took an 18-12 lead.
Tom Ford showed good leadership on-court to settle his side in the second and help close the gap. Some frustrating umpiring calls and incorrect scoring on the board caused some angst for Monash and Massey held a 32-31 lead into the half-time break.
Massey kept up the pressure in the third despite defensive pressure from Rob Jensen and quick passing by Paul McMaster to cutting Monash teammates.
The fourth quarter was hotly contested, Massy keeping a tight lead throughout. With scores at 59-62, a questionable technical foul called on Monash in the final 10 seconds allowed Massey to score one free throw and keep possession. Massey held on for the hard-fought win.
Monash 56 def AUT 41
AUT set a blistering pace in the first five minutes, running the floor after every basket and forcing Monash into a different playing style. Monash players were sweating hard early but kept posting on the scoreboard to be down 7-13 in the first.
Paul McMaster and Tom Ford started the second with smooth pick n rolls. AUT players slowed their game slightly, putting in a greater defensive effort and leading into half-time 24-19.
Monash increased pressure on the boards in the third, using loose balls more effectively to take the lead 42-30.
In the fourth, Monash held up its offensive and defensive pressure against a physical opposition, drawing vital fouls in the final minute to take the game.
Netball
Monash 58 def AUT 27
New Zealand uni netball had a massive shake-up with the arrival of the Monash team. The imposing height of goal shooter Sophie O’Shea gave Monash a ready advantage in the goal circle. O’Shea shot 10 from 15 in the first quarter, backed up by strong defensive efforts by Stephanie Teague and Briony Mack to set up a 14-5 lead, which ballooned out to 30-12 by half-time.
AUT goalscorers improved their accuracy in the second half and showed a more polished passing game. Monash was still able to cut off too many centre passes and Fiona Nicholls stepped in at goal attack to help Monash to a 45-21 lead in the third.
Mack and Carlee Speck made life difficult for the AUT shooter and Monash continued good form to take a solid victory.
Monash 88 def Massey Wellington 1
An undersized and slower Massey unit could not hope the match the Australians’ pace and shooting accuracy. Massey only made five shooting attempts for the entire match.
Monash coach Gillian Lee restricted her side from making long passes to O'Shea and gave players the chance to use it as a training run. O'Shea still made 29 goals from 35 attempts in the first half before being rested for a sore ankle.
Carolyn Simmonds stepped in at shooter and made 30 from 43 in the second half.
Badminton
Monash Men 6 Auckland C 0
Monash Women 6 Auckland A 0
Monash Women 6 Auckland B 0
Monash womens team was boosted by national representative Pei Gee Lim and both mens and womens team cruised through round 1. All games were finished in two sets.
Ann-Louise Slee took her singles match against Auckland B 42-9, Lim also dominating to take her match 42-8. Xueli ‘Cheryl’ Song outclassed her slower but tougher Auckland A opponent for a 42-23 win.
Monash Men had a similar result in their games, Kelvin Yuen and Sieu-Kheng Ngo taking out their doubles match 42-5 and Tim Chau and Adhika Rusly winning easily 42-7 to set up a convincing victory. The mens team ended on a huge margin, 252 points to 48. |
