Netball: Top teams close heading into big weekend

Kaea Robinson at goal defence for Manawanui Collegiate Red gets an intercept ball intended for Marist goal shoot Rebecca Simpler.Photo/Alex Woods

In the fifth and final week of the preliminary round for premier reserve netball, the final rankings were determined and there were a couple of very close games.

In the game between Manawanui Red and Wahine Toa 1, there were only two goals in it with Wahine Toa 1 winning 40-38.

However, there was only one goal in it at the end of the first quarter and at halftime on Saturday. By three-quarter time, Wahine Toa 1 had pulled ahead to be up by five goals.

For Wahine Toa 1, Maria Dick at goal attack shot with confidence and accuracy and worked hard in the mid-court to bring the ball into the goal circle. She was ably assisted by Nerrissa Kapa at goal shoot who took some high ball.

Tiletha Everitt at wing attack had a consistent game while Renee Himiona at goal keep then goal defence played an outstanding game throughout, getting crucial turnover ball as well as being strong in bringing the ball through the court.

For Manawanui Red, Ari Ihaka at goal defence got a number of timely intercepts. Shannon Te Ao and Te Aroha Palmer in the mid-court were both strong. Kyla Williams continued her good season with a strong performance at goal attack and Tegan Musgrove at goal shoot grew in confidence as the game progressed.

Marist will be pleased to have a win against the younger Manawanui Collegiate Red team, winning 36-32.

Manawanui Collegiate Red were up by two goals at the end of the first quarter and at halftime but, by the third quarter, the game was all tied up. But, Marist dug deep and they were able to take the win.

For Marist, it was a whole team effort. The defence unit of Erin Gunson and Lucinda McBeth worked hard and made it difficult for the shooters. In the mid-court, Kate Atchison at centre had a strong game and was well supported by Harmony Kingi at wing defence. Shooters Teresa Hita, Rebecca Simpler and Tracey Bradley all shot well and supported each other.

For Manawanui Collegiate Red, Kaea Robinson at goal defence the whole game, Tiana Harris Otene, and Aiyana Matatia at goal keep at different times all contested the ball and came up with some nice turnover ball.

In the final game, Kamo High School 1 had their first win and it was a comprehensive and strong performance over Fideliter 3 51-32.

Kamo started well and were up by four goals at the end of the first quarter but, by halftime, they were ahead by 15 goals. Fideliter 3 did have a strong third quarter winning this by two goals but they were not able to sustain this effort.

For Kamo, Sophie Jennings at centre was the outstanding player; strong on attack and creating a lot of turnover ball on defence. Emily Griffin at goal attack had a great game and Hayley Salmon at goal shoot shot with confidence and accuracy. Irihaapeti Te Whata Ashby at goal keep applied good pressure and Sarah Griffin at goal defence played a good one-on-one defensive game.

For Fideliter 3, Ann Marie Beazley at goal keep hunted the ball and made some good clean intercepts. Justice Karena at wing defence and centre drove on to the ball and provided options while Freda Whiu Hemara at wing defence put pressure on the opposition. Megan Christie and goal attack worked tirelessly.

This weekend is promotion/relegation where the top two teams will play for promotion into premiers and the bottom two teams will play off against the top A1 Senior and/or college teams.