The heat is on heading into the sharp end of the Harbourside club netball premiership. All the season's previous results and points were thrown out the window as the teams took to the court for the championship round. Although all six premier teams started with no points, Arataki Bayfair Tavern, Logotech andTauranga Sports Cornerstone all notched up wins and share the lead on four points. The championship round will decide which four teams will meet in the semifinals in five weeks' time, a week before the finals. Defending champions Maheatataka were left pondering the wrong end of a 53-36 scoreline against arch-rivals Logotech. The two teams met in last year's final but on Thursday the tables were turned. After the loss Maheatataka centre Sharmaine Bunting said the side had performed well against opposition stacked with experienced players. "The loss is no biggie. We did all right for a young side," Bunting said. "We are doing really well to keep up here and be competitive with these sides." Bunting said the side was still trying to cement their shooting combination after losing some experienced players during the season. Bunting worked hard at centre but moved into goal attack for the last two quarters. For the first quarter it looked like an even race with 10 goals apiece. But Logotech shooting combination of Tracey Mano and Alison Wieringa benefited from hard work done by wing attack Trudi Neill and centre Kim Carr - leading 25-19 at halftime. Maheatataka goal shoot Shelley Harawira potted some wide shots under close surveillance from defenders Leonie Belk and Dorcas Kayes but it was not enough. Tauranga Sports secured their first four points with a seven-goal, 48-41 win over Cavaliers. Mount Sport Professionals, promoted back to the premier one competition, fought hard against Arataki but lost 52-41. Senior Premier 1: Arataki Bayfair Tavern 52 Mt Sports Professionals 41, Logotech 53 Maheatataka 36, Tauranga Sports Cornerstone 48 Cavaliers 41. Senior Premier 2: Rangiuru Te Whanau 53 Rangataua Papakas 44, Nga Papaka 43 Judea Pumas 31, Legendz 51 Greerton Marist Accolade Angels 49. Senior Premier 3: Drifters 44 Rangiuru Angels 43, Talisman 48 Mt SportsThree 39, Mt Sports Two 47 Arataki 29.
