NETBALL: Fred fires Whangaruru victory

The Dive Inn Whangaruru showed they are a team to be wary of for the rest of the season with a 61-58 win over Whangarei Girls High School 1.
The introduction of Buffy Fred into the team for Friday's Whangarei premier netball game provided experience and leadership and her reading of the game helped seal the win for Whangaruru.
Harriet Hardy in defence had a strong game and Karlene Kingi had a consistent shooting game, displaying both a holding and driving game. WGHS 1 gave away too much ball and found it hard to move the ball freely through court due to the awesome through court pressure from the Whangaruru team. However, Jade Telfer at goal keep, Jacinta Matson at wing attack and Alanah Vinson at goal shoot were solid performers for the WGHS team and they did manage to win the final quarter despite Whangaruru leading from start to finish.
In the other premier grade games results were more predictable although Onerahi 2 showed they, too, can play a strong team game with a narrow 55-51 loss to Electrotrade Manawanui. Manawanui's Danica Matautia had a great game at wing defence with some clean intercepts and tips and Melanie Leaf in defence had another consistent outing, proving herself a defender of note. Addy Campbell at wing attack combined well with Gail Shepherd at goal attack and goal shoot and together they were pivotal on attack. Onerahi 2's Kylie Wright at goal shoot had an outstanding game moving and shooting consistently. She was fed well by wing attack Toni Tahere, who used the pockets around the goal circle with effect. On defence, Caitlin McLean at centre made some brilliant defensive plays and Kim Leemeyer at wing defence had a strong game.
Semenoff Transport Fideliter 1 had another comprehensive win, this time over Takahiwai, 61-38. Fideliter 1's Jo Cooper had a good attacking and defensive game at wing attack and wing defence, and Nicky Taylor had another solid shooting performance, combining well with Alisha Takimoana late in the game. Takahiwai 1's Belinda Dawson and Kaylah Chapman in defence combined and worked well together as did Ramari Pirihi and Francida Doak in the shooting circle. Player for the team was Amie Pooley in mid court with her timing and astute work on attack.
The final game of the night was a low-scoring affair between Semco Group Onerahi 1 and Old Boys 1. It was not Onerahi 1's best performance to date with the team still carrying injuries. But Lauren Hills at goal keep stood out. Old Boys 1 player Leah Te Iringi was persistent on defence and in mid court Alexis Chapman combined well with aerial and dynamic Eden Cherrington.
Onerahi 1 won 49-31.