Netball: Fideliter made to work by Whangarei Girls High School in premier competition

Action was abundant in the latest round of premier netball action. Photo/Getty Images

Body Trainer Fideliter 1 were given a shake-up on Friday night in the premier netball competition by WGHS Senior 1, but eventually took the match 44-41.

WGHS started the game strongly, finishing the first quarter with seven unanswered goals to take a comfortable lead into the second quarter.

The shooting combination of Michaela Crawford and Sapphire Parry-Connelly balanced the circle well and shot accurately, while the midcourt players harassed the Fideliter opposition, disrupting their speed and flow of the ball.

Fideliter continued to trail going into the third quarter, but were slowly starting to reduce the deficit.

Jo Davis-Cooper worked hard in the midcourt driving on to the ball and continually offering herself for the pass, combining well in the shooting circle with her sister Rowie Davis-Cooper, who shot confidently and rebounded well when necessary.

Fideliter took the lead for the first time with five minutes left, stealing a 44-41 win from what was a very polished and well-put-together performance by WGHS.

The first quarter in the game between Whangaruru and Huanui was fairly even, with both teams battling it out.

Both had a high error count during this quarter with numerous turnovers. Errors were less in the second quarter.

Alexis Chapman moved from wing attack to goal attack and shot strongly.

The defensive pair of Ari Ihaka and Liahona Hebden worked hard and applied constant pressure on the young Huanui shooters of Harriette Baxter and Asa Morrison and gained a number of tips, intercepts and pick-ups.

In the second half more changes were made by Whangaruru, allowing all players court time.

Geneva Edmonds played at both goal attack then goal shoot, shooting with 95 per cent accuracy and combined well with her shooting partners, giving Whangaruru a convincing 64-30 win.

Huanui played a short ball game, putting together several phases throughout.

Manawanui White were much too strong in their game against Wahine Toa, starting impressively and leading 18-1 at one stage.

The outstanding shooting by Lil Reihana and Cherish Schraag saw the score continually grow, ultimately finishing the game with a score of 74-30.

Netball takes a break next weekend for Queen's Birthday, with the last games of the Preliminary Round on June 9.