Lack of training opportunity leaves Eastern trailing | Hawkes Bay Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Hawkes Bay

A poor first quarter was a key factor in the Eastern netball side's 61-40 loss to Bay of Plenty in their first outing of the season at Rotorua on Saturday.

Eastern trailed 19-10 after the first period. However considering the Jewels Falcon-coached side had just one training together before the match that start wasn't surprising. "The geographics associated with our team makes it tough to get everyone together for a training during the week," said Falcon, who was only reappointed to the coaching role five weeks before the match.

"Four of our girls live in Gisborne and with them along with the players here in the Bay not finishing work until 5pm it makes it tough to have a training during the week."

But the fact Eastern lost the second and third quarters by four goals and the final period by two is in indication the side will improve. There is scope for the turnover count (28) to be reduced.

Hukarere College goal shoot Pania Rowe succeeded with all 10 of her attempts after taking the court as a substitute. Versatile Hastings Girls' High School player Danielle Jones played the final quarter at wing attack a day after returning from the lower North Island secondary schools tournament in Wanganui where she was named in the tournament team.

Second half substitute Natalie Walford of Gisborne made several intercepts and forced Bay of Plenty to make a change to their attacking duo for the final quarter.

Eastern host Tasman in Taradale's Pettigrew-Green Arena this Saturday and Falcon hopes to at least be able to walk through some some of her plays once the Gisborne quartet arrive in Napier on Friday night.