Onerahi 1 played well throughout and goal shooter Charlene Dephoff put up some amazing long shots. She was assisted by goal attack Judy Campbell, who moved at speed with agility and precision. Belinda Edwards, at goal keep, had a standout game, especially against the tall Whangaruru shooter, and got crucial turnovers.
The other close game was between Semco Group Onerahi 2 and Wahine Toa 1. It was a low-scoring, seesawing match with Onerahi 2 the winners 37 to 24. For Onerahi 2 they had a slow start up until three-quarter time but it was a solid team performance, the fourth quarter in particular.
Sarah Nichols and Tracey Stewart in defence and Kim Leemeyer at wing defence in the first half were solid performers and with Hayley Taylor coming onto goal defence and Stewart moving to wing defence in the second half.
Dana Antunovich at goal attack, then goal shoot in the first half used the circle well and Jess Lowe at centre and Mary Lowe at wing attack worked tirelessly providing some good feeds into the circle.
Donna Stratford and Sarah Snowden were brought on in the second half in the shooting circle and kept their ground and shot consistently.
For Wahine Toa 1, Janita Andrews brought experience, leadership and skill to the game filling in for the injured Kahu Dick in the shooting circle. The young Kahukura Hau Peita had a consistent game at goal attack. Trudy Williams at centre had a good attacking and defensive game. Jaelyn Walker at wing defence and goal keep had a good game getting nice intercepts and rebounds but the game slipped away.
The remaining games saw some big scores posted. Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 beat WGHS 1 67-28. Rowena Davis Cooper and Alisha Takimoana in defence played well for Fideliter and turned over plenty of ball.
The experience of the mid-court players showed in their combined ability to bring the ball through court quickly. Kate Te Whata coming onto goal shoot held in the circle well and provided a good target for the mid-court players to feed to. Cassey Ruldolph Cooper, on at goal attack later in the game, ably assisted Te Whata and she provided intelligent strategic play around the circle.
Girls High were short a few players this week and others are carrying injuries. However, the defence were put to work and Shannon George, Lucy Shand Pia and Anna Goodman up from WGHS 2 late in the game never quit and managed to put some pressure on the shooters. Their shooters had a mixed performance.
Marist Old Girls are looking certain to be in the top four with a win over Manawanui 1 60-47. The game was close until half time with only a goal in it but after that Marist dominated. For Marist Kellie Middleton at goal keep had another great game applying her long defensive lean over the ball and getting a number of rebounds. In mid-court Rose Parker at wing defence played a consistent game getting tips and intercepts. Shannon French played most of the match at centre and she linked both ends of the court driving well and feeding the shooters good ball. Vicky Taylor at wing attack position played well. Nicky Taylor at goal shoot had an outstanding game and she provided accurate shooting from a range of positions.
Gail Shepherd at goal shoot and Rhiannon Reti at goal attack had a great game together and created space for each other for Manawanui. Shepherd also shot from all around the shooting circle showing her skill. At the other end of the court Ravena Otene at goal keep played a consistent game and provided fair contesting of the ball.
