Canterbury maintained their unbeaten record at the national netball championships, comprehensively beating hosts Auckland Waitakere 54-46 in the first leg of their double header in west Auckland today.
Auckland Waitakere led 17-13 at the end of the first quarter at Trusts Stadium but Canterbury, looking to improve on last year's
fourth placing, took over from then on despite the continued accuracy of Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia.
Canterbury, the top qualifier for the top-six format, turned four points ahead at halftime and had extended their lead to 41-34 entering the run home.
With veteran goalshoot Shelley Norris more than holding her own against the defensive combination of Anna Scarlett and Stephanie Bond, Canterbury built an eight-point lead early in the fourth quarter and maintained their buffer to take a significant step towards Friday's semifinals.
The loss was Auckland Waitakere's second of the championships placing them under pressure to beat Otago in the evening session.
In the other early game, underdog Otago led Waikato 26-23 at halftime but the injection of Irene Van Dyk ultimately translated to a 10-point lead for last year's beaten finalists.
Waikato, whose only blemish so far was a 48-48 draw with Southland last week, won 58-48. They take on defending champion North in the second leg of their double header while Canterbury take on Southland.
The other top six game on today's schedule pits North against Southland.
- NZPA
