It's been a rough road to the final for reigning netball champions Maheatataka - but a gutsy, well-timed performance has given them a shot at retaining the silverware.
The team have booked a finals berth in the premier division of the Harbourside netball competition after beating the more favoured and in-form
side Logotech 68-53.
Maheatataka played the semifinal with a spark and confidence that has been missing for most of the season.
Notably absent from the team sheet this year has been newly capped Silver Fern, Ana Senio, and Magic netball coach, Noeline Taurua, who both played pivotal roles in last year's final.
But a talented crop of new young players have gelled just in time for next week's final against Arataki Bayfair Tavern, who downed Tauranga Sports Cornerstone 54-42 in the other playoff.
Maheatataka coach Beverley Southee said the team had consolidated with the return of players to the side that missed the bulk of the season.
"We've got our killer instinct back," she said following the 15-goal win.
Sharp-shooter Kerry Hetia, who has missed a number of games due to Baywide commitments with Poroporo, added stability in the shooting circle for Maheatataka. The side also benefited with the return of wing attack Teresa Dobbs.
Equally, the absence of Hikitia Gallagher - with the New Zealand under-21 side at the world champs in Florida - was costly for Logotech.
Maheatataka captain Shelley Harawira backed her side for a strong finals performance: "The pressure is on for us to retain our title."
Harawira is keen to have the trophy and title going into next season, when the club celebrates its 10th anniversary.
In what started out as a close battle in the other semi, Arataki finally overwhelmed Tauranga Sports 54-42, Tauranga captain Nicky Schrafft leading the charge from the front, potting the first goal of the game.
Not to be outdone, Arataki shooting duo Lee Bartlett and 16-year-old Mount Maunganui College student Biannca Kiwi-Ohia hit back fast.
It was goal-for-goal through the first quarter but Arataki managed to break a few of Tauranga's centre passes to lead 13-11 at the break.
Arataki continued to lead by 27-22 at halftime, but a determined effort by Tauranga brought them within four goals after 45 minutes of play. In the final quarter a six-goal unanswered run by Arataki sealed the win.
Captain Wai Emery said her side played well but there were a few errors to iron out before the big final: "We just need to cut down on our loose passes and unforced errors."
Schrafft said the speed of Arataki through the mid-court was the difference and fitness also played a role in the win.: "In the end we were just tired and throwing some pretty soft passes."
Arataki will use the Baywide final against Poroporo tonight as a warm-up for the Harbourside final on Thursday.
Maheatataka are also in the Baywide finals in division two.
Playoff results:
1: Maheatataka 68 Logotech 53, Arataki Bayfair Tavern 54 Tauranga Sports Cornerstone 42.
Division 2: Rangiuru Te Whanau 46 Rangataua Papaka's 44, Nga Papaka 51 Legendz 39.
Divison 3: Mt SportsTwo 41 Drifters 31, Mt SportsThree 61 Talisman 35.
It's been a rough road to the final for reigning netball champions Maheatataka - but a gutsy, well-timed performance has given them a shot at retaining the silverware.
The team have booked a finals berth in the premier division of the Harbourside netball competition after beating the more favoured and in-form
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