Netball: Close games feature of preliminary round two

Manawanui Development goal shoot Paige Neho takes a shot at goal while Marist 2's Catherine Ryan (GD) looks on. Photo / Judy McDonald

THE second week of the preliminary round for premier reserve netball saw more close games, including a 50-36 win by Whangarei Girls' High School 10-1 over Wahine Toa Whero.

They were up by two goals at the end of the first quarter, then led by five goals at halftime.

By three-quarter time they led by 10 goals and the final score was 50-36.

For WGHS 10-1, Ricco Watts-Niha, at goal keep, and Uma Robinson, at goal defence, collected some timely intercept ball on defence.

Shooters Carly Job and Saphire Connelly-Parry shot consistently and, in the mid court, Teaghan Kirby, Kelena Roughan and O'Shea Macmillan played with patience.

For Wahine Toa Whero, Eyvette Branson, at goal keep, worked tirelessly getting some nice tips and rebounds.

Kahu Kura Hau-Peita, at goal shoot, played a strong game and Nelly Tau, coming on after half time to wing attack, played a nice driving and feeding game.

Hora Hora also had another win this week, but only just.

Their game against Fideliter 2 was close for the duration.

Hora Hora led by two goals at the end of the first quarter and at halftime they had extended their lead to be ahead by four goals.

Fideliter 2 made a comeback in the third quarter to take the lead by three goals.

In the final quarter, Hora Hora took the lead back to win 38-36.

Leah Valli, at wing defence, was outstanding for Hora Hora, earning lots of turnover ball.

The game also saw the return of Anne Frost to the shooting circle, which the team welcomed.

For Fideliter 2, Keri Boyt, at centre, played a controlled game in trying conditions and constantly made herself available.

Abby Hutchinson, at goal keep, hunted the ball well.

Tiletha Everitt and Katelyn Gunson combined well in the shooting circle and are developing a good partnership.

Manawanui Development will be happy with their good win over Marist 2. The young team led from the start t and were up by six goals at the end of the first quarter. By half time they led by 12 goals and the third quarter went much the same with Manawanui Development increasing the gap to 17.

A comeback saw Marist 2 win the final quarter but it was too little, too late. The final score was 42-33.

For Manawanui Development, Brahn Ruri, at wing defence and centre, played a consistent and strong game.

Irihapeti Te Whata, at goal keep, and Mariu Taua, at goal defence, started strongly.

Ebony Mackie, at goal attack, and Paige Neho, at goal shoot, moved well in the circle and shot accurately in the main.

For Marist 2, Catherine Ryan, at goal defence, had a great game, as did Hayley Cassidy at wing defence. Cassidy was able to shut down the movements of the wing attack.