CLUB NETBALL: Takahiwai 1 edge close battle

There were a number of close games in Whangarei Netball's premier grade as teams moved towards the business end of the competition, with only two more weeks of round robin play before three weeks of finals format.
Takahiwai 1 and Semco Group Onerahi 2 had a close game and at half time the game was all tied up at 25 goals apiece. For Takahiwai, perseverance in the mid court by Kerri Woodman and Amie Pooley assisted with the win but player of the night went to Koea Kaka at goal attack who played a great game, including consistent shooting.
Takahiwai's defence were tested in the final quarter when Judy Macdonald moved from wing attack into goal attack, which saw the game go to the wire. Onerahi 2's Catherine Allingham had a strong defensive game at goal defence and Wendy McCall at centre did some nice driving and feeding to the shooters. Overall though, it was a positive team effort by all players on court with Takahiwai 1 winning 52-49.
Semenoff Transport Fideliter 1 and WGHS 1 also had a close game, with Fideliter winning 51-49. It could have gone either way, but in the end it was Fideliter's mental toughness and older heads that secured the win.
Fideliter's Trina Henare at wing attack and then goal attack lead the team and Fideliter 1 managed to comprehensively win the second quarter and then got a few crucial turnovers, which gave them the game. WGHS goal keep Jade Telfer was player of the day playing up against stalwart Nicky Taylor and she did a remarkable job of contesting the ball. Truly Harding at wing defence and Rose Baker at goal attack also had strong performances.
The other close game of the night was between Old Boys 1 and The Dive Inn Whangaruru. Whangaruru's goal keep Liahona Hebden had a great defensive game and changes in the final quarter including the return of Tara Wells to wing attack and Buffy Fred to centre allowed Whangaruru to edge ahead and take the 53-49 win.
Old Boys 1's Eden Cherrington at centre was outstanding and had a good all-round attacking game and defensive game and Rowena Davis Cooper played a hard and determined game at goal attack under constant pressure.
Semco Group Onerahi 1 were the only team to have a goal difference of more than five goals and it was against Electrotrade Manawanui, with Onerahi winning 56-46. Onerahi 1 put in a team effort and stuck to the basics. For Manawanui, Judy Campbell had an outstanding game at goal attack. An injury to Gail Shepherd was crucial for the team and was the turning point in the game.