Waikite's Shantae Werahiko leaps for the ball against Whakarewarewa. Photo / Stephen Parker
Waikite's Shantae Werahiko leaps for the ball against Whakarewarewa. Photo / Stephen Parker
Whakarewarewa Red continued their winning ways in the Rotorua Netball Premier 1 Championship with a 48-38 win over Waikite Panthers.
The comfortable win made it two from two after beating the defending champions Murupara Stingers 61-33 last weekend.
Whakarewarewa's dominance started from the back as their defenders worked tirelessly, ensuringwhenever the Waikite shooters did get the ball, it was as far away from the hoop as possible. The first quarter was fairly evenly contested but by the end Whakarewarewa had edged out to a 12-7 lead.
Whakarewarewa clicked into gear in the second quarter, at one stage scoring six unanswered points as they extended their lead to 25-17 at halftime.
Waikite started the third quarter strongly, scoring the first three points and reducing the deficit. However, Whakarewarewa once again came back strongly, their shooters in particular were in sublime form, seemingly able to score from anywhere in the circle. They led 35-26 going into the final quarter.
Waikite's Jodie Brodie (left) and Whakarewarewa's Hinemaui Parata battle for the ball. Photo / Stephen Parker
Waikite switched up some of their positions in the final quarter in an attempt to shake things up and get back in the game but it was too little too late as Whakarewarewa cruised to a 49-38 win.
In the other Premier 1 games Ngongotahā Thunder beat Rotorua Girls' High School 52-43 and Pikiao Warriors won a tight encounter with Murupara Stingers 48-43.
