Parihaka kept their cool to take a 2-1 win over Kamo High School in their reserve A women's hockey match.
Kamo High School began the game strongly but were unable to convert any opportunities early in the game.
Parihaka coach Strachan McLeod said "they came out and played a way better grade of hockey and we didn't do ourselves any favours with trapping and passing."
Parihaka withstood the pressure and did take their chance on attack with Jacque Chapman converting to put Parihaka ahead in the Friday night match.
McLeod said "going one up put the wind in our sails and we started playing better hockey".
McLeod also mentioned his side had been focusing on the basics of hockey but were still only able to play their gameplan in patches.
Kamo High School took advantage of a rough patch and evened the score to go into the break at 1-all.
"At halftime we talked about shutting down the time and space and playing the game we want to play instead of getting sucked into the long game," McLeod said.
Linking passes well, Parihaka applied pressure and converted through Kayla Gentill to take the lead which they wouldn't relinquish.
In other reserve A matches on Friday, Hikurangi showed their domination with a 9-0 win over Springfield while Maungakaramea beat Mangapai 5-1.
The third and fourth placed sides Whangarei Girls' High School and Old Girls played out a nil-all draw.
In the reserve men's grade played on Thursday, Maungakaramea beat Mangapai 3-1 while Springfield beat Hora Hora 3-2 and Bream Bay beat Whangarei Boys' High School 1-0.