The semi-final between University Prem and Southern Cavaliers was competitive and overall a close game. At the end of the first quarter University Prem had a five-goal lead and this was increased at half time to 13 goals. At the end of the third quarter they were ahead by 16. The final quarter, however, went Southern Cavaliers' way and they won this five goals but it was all a little too late. The final score was 49-38 to University Prem who shot at 84 per cent overall with J Taane at goal attack for most of the game moving and shooting well.
At the opposite end of the court R Fabling at goal defence and A Christophers at goal keep combined well, resulting in turnover ball and rebounds. T Lopeti at goal keep for Southern Cavaliers was the stand out player, reading the play and getting a number of intercepts. Southern Cavaliers shot at 57 per cent overall.
The other semi-final between Phoenix Prem and Collegiate was more one sided but still a competitive game to watch. Collegiate dominated from start to finish leading by six goals at the end of the first quarter. At half time this increased to 13 goals the difference. The third quarter was a draw but the final quarter saw Collegiate step it up a gear to take the win convincingly 63-34. Collegiate played at pace the whole game, passing the ball quickly through the court. Their shooting stats were a high at 88 per cent overall for the game.
A Savelio at goal attack and A Latu at goal shoot were dominant moving and shooting well making the opposition defence work hard. Due to the score Phoenix Prem were forced to play an overall defensive game. There was some nice phases of play on attack along with some clean long shots at times. S O'Donnell at centre most of the game applied consistent pressure and at times saw the ground as a result as this was quite a physical game. Their shooting stats were 62 per cent.
The final between University Prem and Collegiate was played yesterday at Auckland. The final was a repeat from last year as both these teams made the final in 2015.
Collegiate started strongly to have a six-goal lead at the end of the first quarter. University Prem came into the game competitively in the second quarter and managed to claw the difference back by a goal. The half time score was 25-20 to Collegiate. The third quarter showed there was nothing between these teams and was a draw. Collegiate then finished as they had started winning the quarter and the game. The final score was 49-30.
For Collegiate it was another good performance by the attacking pair of A Latu at goal shoot and A Savelio at goal attack. Both moved well with some nice little interplays with the ball later in the game. Latu was a target taking some big high balls and was a master at creating space. Latu had the highest shooting percentage shooting at 87 per cent. Defensively the whole team challenged possession and in defence I Chan at goal keep with her height combined well with P Aleamotu'a at goal defence who read the game and hunted the ball, with both coming up with turnover and rebound ball. In the mid court E Croft at centre most of the game added a quick drive and speed to the game and proved a nuisance on defence.
For University Prem the whole team worked hard to recover and to gain momentum after a slow start. R Fabling and A Christophers in the defensive circle played another credible game and they too came up with some good turnover ball. University Prem struggled a bit feeding the shooting circle and the shooters appeared to struggle for consistency and form. J Tanne was the best moving from goal attack to goal shoot and getting 84 per cent.
In the play off for third vs fourth Southern Cavaliers beat Suburbs Phoenix 65-44.
It should be noted that both Hamilton teams for the semi finals and final had players unavailable due to the national league and other competitions. This meant that some of the less experienced and younger players had to step up. They did a credible job and were provided with an opportunity that they may not necessarily have had to showcase their skills.
