Netball: Whangaruru clinch back-to-back reserve titles

Whangaruru have taken their second consecutive Premier Reserve Netball Championship with a win over Wahine Toa. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Whangaruru were more than up for the challenge of defending their 2016 title as they defeated Wahine Toa 51-47 in the Premier Reserve Netball Championship final.

Both teams starting steadily and cautiously, but early basic errors from Whangaruru allowed Wahine to gain an early advantage.

Wahine's attacking combination of goal attack Danielle Barlow and wing attack Donna Strattford made sure of their positioning and passes into the strong, smart play of goal shoot Maria Dick.

Whangaruru's defensive duo of Hayley Thompson and Wahine Lomas were made to work hard around Barlow and Dick.

At the first break and a three goal advantage to Wahine, player/coach Sophie Tua made changes to their line-up.

A couple of turnovers picked up by Whangaruru during the second quarter saw them come closer to Wahine.

Unfortunately, Wahine were also able to get turnover ball and a five-goal run.

Whangaruru looked to stem the flow as GK Thompson called for time, in which Ringi Hohepa was injected into the game.

At the end of the stanza, Wahine had a five goal lead.

Shortly after the break, Whangaruru were able to pick away at the deficit and level the scores.

While Whangaruru were settling into their game, their confidence was rising.

Constant pressure and missed opportunities were costly for Wahine as Whangaruru were able to gain a slight edge for a moment.

Although the scoreline was still in favour to Wahine going into the final quarter, it was Whangaruru who were able to come away with a number of turnovers.

Patience, possession and strong positional play from the defence right through to the shooters worked well for them.

The Wahine defence of Harmony Kingi and Eyvette Branson worked hard for every ball, but were unable to interrupt the flow of the shooting combination of Tua and Shepherd.

A strong 51-47 performance from Whangaruru enabled them to clinch the back-to-back titles.