Netball: Diamonds after bonus point

They just need a bonus point to secure a semifinal spot, but Diamonds coach Sue Hawkins says her side are treating tomorrow's crucial match against the Rebels as a final.

Six teams are vying for the semifinal spots in what has been the tightest competition in the National Bank Cup's eight-year history.

The make-up of the top four will not be known until the final whistle sounds in Dunedin tomorrow.

The Diamonds go into the final round third on the table behind the Magic and the Force. To advance to the playoffs they have to either beat the Rebels or at least secure a bonus point, which is awarded for a loss of five or less.

The Rebels are sixth on the table and could still scrape into the playoffs if they beat the Diamonds.

History shows the sides are even. In the nine times the two have met, the Rebels have won five and the Diamonds four.

The teams should be evenly matched at either end of the court but the Diamonds should have the edge in the midcourt with Silver Ferns Anna Rowberry and Victoria Edward and promising youngster Krystal Feterika-Opetaia.

The stumbling block for the Diamonds could be energetic Rebels defender Anna Scarlett, who has taken her game up another notch this season and is a lot more disciplined.

How the Diamonds shooters, whether it be Jo Morrison and Jodi Te Huna or Maria Tutaia and Te Huna, contend with her will be a factor.

Hawkins said the key for her side would be to keep their intensity up for the entire match and keep their composure.

"We are also making sure we have variety in our passes. We are not just going to be putting it up, we are going to be putting it down and around."

Hawkins said she would also like to see her side finish off any bonus turnovers.

"That is something we have not been good at. That is where we will win it."

In tomorrow's other match Yvonne Willering's Force should knock over the Flyers.

The Flyers are second to last and although they are much improved from last year the Force seem to have found form at just the right time.

FINAL ROUND
Tomorrow:
Force v Flyers, North Shore 1pm.
Diamonds v Rebels, Dunedin 1pm.