Netball: Marist go down fighting in close tussle

Amira Te Iringa at goal shoot for Manawanui Collegiate Red is opposed by Karen Compton from BRU Marist during their premier reserve netball clash.Photo/Anne Frost

Much the same as with the premiers, results from week one of premier reserve netball were predictable - with the closest clash being a 43-35 win to Wahine Toa 1 over CF Marist.

With the week one clashes being crossovers based on rankings, Wahine Toa 1 was tested at times in their game against Marist - and the final score is not a reflection of how close it was at times.

Wahine Toa lead by five goals at the first quarter and by nine at half time, before Marist drew the third quarter and won the final quarter - with only four goals the difference with minutes to play on Saturday.

For Wahine Toa, Barbara Te Whare at goal keep had an outstanding game reading the ball and intercepting a lot of ball while there was also some solid defence work by Rita Himiona at goal defence.

Addy Campbell at wing defence made it hard for the Marist team to bring the ball through the mid court. Tiletha Everitt fed her shooters with accuracy and skill and Michelle Allen had a strong and confident game at centre. The return of Paane Thomas at goal shoot made a difference inside the gave height to the shooting circle.

For Marist, the defensive combination of Lucinda McBeth at goal keep and Erin Gunson at goal defence worked hard all game and were rewarded with some good turnover ball. Harmony Kingi at wing defence and centre played a good game.

Manawanui Red started well in their game against Kamo High School and they lead by five goals at the end of the first quarter, before going on to win 46-21.

For Manawanui Red, Ari Ihaka at goal defence continued her good form and worked hard to gain a number of good turnovers. The mid-court combination of Shannon Te Ao at wing defence, Te Aroha Palmer at centre and Janice Brown at wing attack all had good games with Brown having the her best this season.

Kiri Allen at goal attack had a tidy game and Raina Smith at goal shoot came on later and kept the scoring momentum going.

For Kamo High, Irihaapeti Te Whata Ashby at goal keep played an outstanding game and held the defence circle together. Sophie Jennings at centre moved the ball and fed the shooters with finesse while Hayley Salmon at goal attack and Shalique Poutai at goal shoot moved around the circle well and placed some nice shots from well out.

In the weekend's final game Manawanui Collegiate Red gave BRU Marist their first taste of premier reserve netball, testing their resilience and fitness over an hour before taking the game 54-22.

Manawanui Collegiate Red was up by five goals at the first quarter and was up by 11 goals at half time. They further extended their lead in the third quarter and had a great final quarter limiting the Marist team to just one goal.

For Manawanui Collegiate Red, the whole team played well. In particular Shekania Cherrington at wing defence and goal defence played well and put consistent pressure on the shooters and attackers. Kaea Robinson at goal keep also picked up a lot of turnover ball. It was a huge effort by all the mid-courters who played a patient game using a selection of passing options to feed the shooters.

For Marist, Jackie Marvin at goal keep had an outstanding game and worked tirelessly. It was also a great mid-court performance by Tenneille Cherrington at centre. Tania Bailey at goal attack worked well to assist the mid-courters and she also shot well.