NETBALL: Girls claw back win after nail-biter

Whangarei Girls' High School 1 and Manawanui produced the premier grade game of the round, with Manawanui almost causing an upset win, after leading at the end of the second and third quarters.
The young high school girls however, dug deep in Friday's game and managed to claw back to win by just one goal, 54-53, at the end of the final quarter. WGHS coach Dee Telfer said while Jamiee Lee Tito played well in goal defence the whole game, bringing Jade Telfer into defence in the second half had an impact. Telfer added more height in the circle allowing her to gain crucial ball. She also felt Jacinta Matson in mid court showed speed and versatility and Rose Baker moving from goal keep and coming into goal attack in the last quarter shot and moved exceptionally well in the circle. Manawanui however played with conviction and were always on the hunt for the win. In particular the Manawanui shooting combination of Gail Shepherd and Judy Campbell shot at almost 100 per cent and played a skilled and accurate game.
In the other games Semco Group Onerahi showcased their new uniforms with Semco Group Onerahi 1 winning a low scoring match over Old Boys 1, 42-27. In contrast Semco Group Onerahi 2 was solidly defeated by Semenoff Transport Fideliter 1, 70-30.
Onerahi 1 took a long time to fire and the only really stand out player was Cherith Schragg in defence, who had a strong and aerial defensive and attacking game. Onerahi 1 players took until the final quarter to really get into gear. Sharron Te Paa, coach of Old Boys 1, was pleased with her players' efforts. They slowed the game and kept the Onerahi 1 team in check. In particular she felt Bonnie Lenssen at wing defence and Jonette Chapman at wing attack played exceptionally well.
Carol McClintock and Trina Henare, co coaches for Fideliter 1 felt Helen Francis on defence was consistent and Nicky Taylor at goal shoot showed good movement and positioning and converted a lot of ball. Also, Lara Tipene at wing defence, then centre second half, got a lot of turnover ball and provided good straight line ball. Onerahi 2 coach Jess Lowe said the defence combination of Tracey Stewart and Andrea Cameron provided solid defence and Onerahi 2 shooters, especially Judy Macdonald at goal attack finished with some accurate shooting.
The final game this week saw Takahiwai 1 earn a solid 65-38 win over the injury ridden Pizza Barn BBC Waipu team. Takahiwai coach Deb Harding said Hannah Edge and Kaylah Chapman on defence had excellent games and Holly Reti at centre provided some good ball on attack. Toni Power, coach of BBC Waipu admitted that through injury she had to play all her bench and while the girls didn't do too badly in the first half, the raft of changes in the second half saw Takahiwai dominate. Moengaroa Kailahi in defence worked like a machine especially up against the tall Takahiwai shooter. Siobhan Hayward at wing attack had an outstanding game and Jess Cole got some good long shots in.