Netball: White side see off schoolgirls

Manawanui White goal shoot Jaelyn Walker prepares for a shot at goal while being defended by Whangarei Girls' High School goalkeeper Leihana Shelford-Tito. Photo / Judy Macdonald

In the second week of the championship round, the game of the night was between Manawanui White and Whangarei Girls' High School (WGHS Snr 1).

While the final score showed a good win to Manawanui White, this did not reflect the game as at halftime there was only a six-goal difference.

The young WGHS Snr 1 team were missing players and had others playing out of position but this did not stop their commitment and enthusiasm in the 40-60 loss.

For Manawanui White, Kahli Lil Reihana was busy and effective at wing defence. There were nice combinations in the shooting circle, including Jaelyn Walker, Sherryn Schraag and Larissa Hona.

For WGHS Snr 1, Leihana Shelford-Tito and Shanaya Te Ruri shared shooting and defending positions during the game, showing their skill and versatility.

Te Ruri was playing up from the Y9 team, in her first premier game, and kept a cool head.

Maddy Gordon, playing in a variety of positions, also had a consistent performance.

Whangaruru Premier and YHPJ Marist 1 had a close battle. Whangaruru Premier led by seven goals at halftime and dominated the final quarter to win 57-38.

For Whangaruru Premier, Liahona Hebden, Reanon Hetaraka-Sadler and Sue-Ann Nesbit made a formidable defensive lineup, turning over ball which was then converted by their shooters.

In the second half the more experienced pairing of Sophy Tua at goal attack and Nicky Taylor at goal shoot proved to be a settled combination.

For Marist 1, Bella Drinnan at goal keep committed herself to hunt for loose ball and intercepts. Drinnan combined well with Erin Gunson at goal defence while Alice Dombroski at centre showed endless drive to make herself available throughout the court.

Casey Williamson at wing attack drove well coming out for the centre pass, while Kaea Kaka at goal attack created good space for herself and combined well with Terrianne Takulua at goal shoot.

Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 had a good win over Manawanui Red, who were also missing players.

At halftime, Fideliter 1 led by 19 goals and the final score was 69-22.

Fideliter 1 welcomed Alisha Takamoana back into the team at goal keep where she combined well with both Kacey Potae and Alex Chapman.

Hayley Tipene had a solid game in the midcourt, consistently driving for the pass and feeding the circle well.

Jess Cole at goal attack put in a good performance putting up a large percentage of the shots with great accuracy.

For Manawanui Red, Hayley Thompson and Jemma Bicknell in defence worked hard all game while Harmony Kingi at wing defence played a tight marking defensive game.