New Zealand
Day 3
Aussies dominate the field
After the previous night's social luge event was called off due to inclement weather, our teams were up early for another round of pool games. While Monash players were reasonably well-behaved on and off the court, some other universities were already incurring the wrath of officials for instances such as drinking during games and upsetting patrons at their hotel.
Regardless of a few minor problems, Monash teams were happy with the conditions at the sporting stadiums, though many were taking a while to get used to the constant smell of sulphur at the netball/basketball stadium. One member commented the smell may help put off visiting teams taking on the local Bay of Plenty Magic national netball team.
Netball
Monash 79 UTC 7
Once again Monash dominated from the first centre pass, pouring in 18 goals to one in the first quarter. Sophie O'Shea was on target in the goal circle, backed from Fiona Nicholls in goal attack. Briony Mack and Carlee Speck were inspiring in the defensive circle and centre Teagan Ashmore, recently selected in the national under-19 squad, controlled the centre third.
Monash 78 Victoria 6
Fiona Nichols switched to goal shooter for this game against an undersized and unprepared Victoria. Nicholls made 15 goals in the first half, ably backing Carolyn Simmonds who made 29 from 40 shots. Victoria had no answer for the pace and discipline of the Monash team.
Basketball
Monash 93 EIT 20
The invaders tore away to an early lead against the lesser EIT side and the game became a race to secure a better percentage than rivals AUT and Victoria. Paul McMaster and Tom Forde showed their experience at Uni Games level, combining well to wear down the opposition.
The fourth quarter was a disciplined show of defence as Monash pushed to secure a 65 point lead and hold it despite a solid effort from EIT. Forde made two vital baskets to add the final nail in the coffin.
Monash 62 Victoria B 29
Victoria showed they had better skills than Monash's earlier opponents but a lack of discipline allowed the Aussies to take an early lead. McMaster, Rob Jensen and Lachlan Hord were some of the stars in the first half to heklp secure a 32-18 lead.
Monash continued to achieve easy points to demoralise the opposition, including Hord's drive down the baseline to lay-up for the basket and one free throw after the foul. Chris Longden and Josh Farragher also provided good defence in the second half, picking up the slack when McMaster was taken off with a foot injury in the last quarter.
Badminton
Monash Women 5 AUT 1
AUT could have been the greatest challenge for Monash women in the gold medal race, if the uni team had brought enough players. AUT's three women were forced to forfeit and doubles and singles match, effectively handing the win to the tourists. Ann-Louise Slee and Ee Jun Ban had a tough few games trying to dispatch the opposition but the group one dropped one match for the entire day.
Monash Men 6 VIC A 0
Victoria challenged strongly in early games, Adhika Rusly, Tim Chau and Kelvin Yuen finding it tough to put away their opponents in close singles matches. The doubles games were a different story, Rusly and Yuen combining well to beat their opponents 21-7 21-8. Chau and Rothman Kam also smashed their Victoria counterparts 21-8 21-5. |
