Tight game sees end of Whangārei premier netball round robin as semis approach

Fideliter goal attack Trina Henare directed her team well when brought on against Manawanui White in the last round of Whangārei Premier Netball at the weekend.

The final round of the Whangārei Premier Netball Championship round-robin has finished with the semifinals set for next week.

Top contenders Fideliter Blue played Raise the Bar Manawanui White, as they fought hard to cement top spot, at Whangārei Girls' High School gymnasium

With a number of even match-ups throughout the court, both teams contested every ball to try to get a slight edge.

For Manawanui, goal keeper Jasmine Milton was in sublime form against Fideliter goal shoot Kate Te Whata.

Milton used her elevation to good effect to gain a number of well timed tips and intercepts

However, Fideliter's defensive combination of Alisha Takimoana and Kacey Potae were equally effective.

Working together they denied Manawanui's shooters Sherryn Lefever and Jaelyn Walker prime shooting position.

With Lefevers support, Walker had an outstanding shooting game giving her team hope, as Fideliter had a one goal advantage at the first break.

The versatility of players allowed Fideliter to mix it up at every opportunity.

With pressure mounting and neither team giving an inch, they went goal for goal in the third, and levelled at 35 apiece.

Court maestro for Fideliter Trina Henare was injected at goal attack then wing attack as she controlled and directed her team, keeping possession of any turnover ball and converting.

Both teams battling it out in the final quarter. Pressure and teamwork to create turnovers was the determining factor as the final result fell in Fideliters' favour 46-44.

Whangaruru Prem 1 went up against students Whangārei Girls' High School (WGHS).

Strong out of the blocks, Whangaruru were in control from start to finish. The starting line-up for Whangaruru had strong connections and passages of play with defensive pressure throughout.

Rowie Davis-Cooper again doing the majority of the shooting with the support of Jess Cole and Alexis Chapman.

WGHS were prepared for the physical aspect of the game. They too had a good start with confident shooting from Kate Taylor keeping her team close for the first half.

A new defensive combination of Jessie Taylor and Sherron Dods for WGHS during the second and third quarters worked well as they were able to gain intercepts and the team keeping possession for their shooters Taylor and Saphire Connelly-Parry to convert.

The second half was a ding-dong battle as both teams collected intercepts and pick-ups.

Whangaruru kept the pressure on as they were able to extend their lead and win convincingly 58-42.

The final game was between Fideliter Gold and Whangaruru Prem 2.

Whangaruru had a good start and were able to keep up with their younger opposition to be down by only five by half time.

Ringi Hohepa, playing goal shoot then goal keep, had a good defensive and communicative game.

Fideliter made good use of their time to good effect for changes as they rotated their players for fresh legs for the duration of the game. Having strong confident combinations throughout helped with their game.

However, Fideliter put up a strong second half performance to win 56-42

Games this week - times to be confirmed
Fideliter Blue v Fideliter Gold
Whangaruru Prem 1 v Manawanui White
WGHS v Whangaruru Prem 2