NETBALL - Cool heads clinch Premier display

Marist took first round honours with a titanic 26-23 victory over Manawanui in a Whangarei Premier Netball match at Kensington Park on Saturday.
Manawanui will be rueing their sluggish start, which forced them into playing catch-up for the rest of the match.
Marist started the match well when they found themselves in front, showed great strength in holding their heads under fire and playing a good patient match by refusing to let their nerves get in the way.
Marist's attacking line performed well as a unit - Harriet Hardy in goal shoot impressed, as did Lisa Dangen in goal attack. Mid-court general June Hilton-Jones fed the ball beautifully on attack and hustled well on defence.
Manawanui captain Belinda Campbell was again a standout for her side - her workrate rewarded with tips and position in defence. Janita Andrews had a strong feeding game in wing attack and Althena Birch showed her experience in shooting.
In the end it was a strong start and the total team front from Marist which secured the victory.
Marist Old Girls continued their winning ways, but were pushed to the edge by a determined Fideliter 1, taking a tight 25-20 victory.
The first period brought an initial flurry of activity through court, but the defensive pressure from both sides was apparent early. Fideliter's Loren Eagle, in goal keep, stood out early, as did Megan Henderson in wing defence.
Marist players Katie Snyman and Kelly Middleton were strong in defence and ensured a tough first quarter for the Fideliter attack.
Some changes from Fideliter in the second spell brought more punch to their cause, with the defensive combination of Eagle and Henderson, who was moved to goal defence, paying dividends.
The match-up between Eagle and Marist's Nicky Taylor was a tight tussle, with both clearly relishing the challenge.
Old Girls made a number of changes throughout the match, introducing fresh legs to the line up - a good move, with Fideliter increasing in confidence with each quarter.
A final charge from Fideliter, scoring four quick goals early in the fourth quarter, was not enough to deny Old Girls the victory or challenge their unbeaten record.
Whangarei Old Boys banked up another convincing win over Whangarei Girls' High School in the final match of the day.
The schoolgirls had the better start, catching Old Boys out in the first quarter and suggesting a closely fought match.
In the second quarter, Old Boys made some key changes and started to take control of the match with keen defensive pressure and another big performance from Sue-Anne David in goal defence, teaming up to good effect with Alisha Takimoana in goal keep.
It was the increased height and experience which really started to undo WGHS - forced passes and impatience on attack both proving costly.
WGHS captain Clare Guest led by example and worked tirelessly in defence to upset Old Boys' rhythm, coming up with ample bonus possession to keep her side competitive.
However, Old Boys grew in strength with each quarter and were able to bank a comfortable 33-18 victory.