Netball: Takahiwai strike late to claim spoils

Takahiwai 1 snuck home 54-52 against Wahine Toa in their premier reserve netball clash in a match which could have gone either way on Saturday.

After a tight first half that saw the scores tied at the end of the first quarter and at halftime, Takahiwai 1 finally crept a few goals ahead in the second half.

Teri Tito had a great game at centre for Takahiwai 1 while in the shooting circle, Ramari Pirihi at goal attack and goal shoot Shona Dangen shot well.

For Wahine Toa 1, Renee Himiona, first at goal keep and then at goal defence, worked tirelessly.

Elsewhere, Manawanui Collegiate Red will be happy with their 46-38 win over Fideliter 3.

Manawanui Collegiate Red started strong and were leading by eight goals at halftime. Both teams then made changes and Fideliter 3 had a strong third quarter to come back to within four goals. However, Manawanui Collegiate Red did enough in the final quarter to take the win.

For Manawanui Collegiate Red, Tiana Harris Otene and Kanewa Harrison in defence took a while to settle but kept good pressure on the shooters. All the mid-courters played well but Paige Neho at wing defence had a standout game, getting a lot of tips and intercepts. Shooters Lil Reihana and Raiha Turuwhenua combined well and shot consistently.

For Fideliter 3, Megan Christie and Louise Morgan controlled the shooting circle and shot accurately. Sue Culham, at centre and later wing defence, provided speed and some excellent feeds. Ursula Buckingham, on later in the game, demonstrated skill and leadership.

While the defence worked hard, they were not able to capitalise on the turnovers.

Marist had a good game against Manawanui Social with a seven-goal win - 45-38. Marist led throughout but Manawanui Social finished strongly, winning the final quarter.

For Marist, Lucinda McBeth at goal defence was strong. Te Aroha Palmer at centre and Rachael Thornton at wing attack combined well. Tania Bailey at goal attack and Rebecca Simpler at goal shoot worked well in the circle.

For Manawanui Social, the defence combined well and worked hard. Centre Megan Collinson had a strong game and fed the shooters well. Goal shoot Ravena Otene added height in the shooting circle and worked well with Bronwyn Kaipo.

Premier Reserve

Results, August 3:

Marist vs Manawanui Social, 45-38; Fideliter 3 vs Manawanui Collegiate Red, 38-46; Takahiwai 1 vs Wahine Toa 1, 54-52.