By RICHARD BOOCK
Canterbury's fairytale return to the ranks of first-division netball was almost completed last night when they swept aside Manukau 56-42 to qualify for the national championship final.
Margie Foster's red-and-blacks made no race of the late semifinal at Hamilton's Mystery Creek, leading throughout to set up tonight's showpiece against
defending champions Waikato.
Inspired by more dynamic play from a defensive unit which boasts Villimaina Davu, Megan Hutton and Anna Veronese, the Canterbury team made a mockery of their eighth seeding, roaring out to a 17-11 lead in the first quarter before riding a 10-goal buffer throughout most of the second half.
They took no chances, however, persevering with their top line-up for most of the match, and must be fancied to stretch the tournament hosts in this evening's final.
Waikato were always expected to be there at the end, but had to call on all their mental toughness to survive a hair-raising showdown against Southland, eventually emerging from the carnival ride with a precious 48-45 win.
Waikato suffered a surprise loss to Auckland on Thursday evening and were trailing narrowly in the third quarter last night before securing their final's berth with a powerful effort down the stretch.
Further down the draw, Wellington will face a relegation match against Manawatu today after losing 51-61 to Auckland, while Manukau and Southland will play off for third and fourth.
Auckland, who have played their best netball late in the tournament, will square off against Otago in the battle for fifth and sixth.
In the second division, Bay of Plenty will challenge Waikato Premiers for promotion to the first grade after beating Canterbury Black 67-42, leaving the once powerful North Harbour side to play off against Taranaki for fifth place.
The other main event at Mystery Creek this evening will be the naming of the 18-strong Silver Ferns squad, from which the side to tour South Africa will be selected.
Whether the New Zealand selectors can find 18 international-class netballers on the basis of this tournament is something of a moot point, but it seems Canterbury's Fijiian goal-keep Davu will probably be brought into the fold, while Auckland mid-courter Helena Apaapa might win promotion following an outstanding season.
A possible New Zealand squad might include: Irene van Dyk, Donna Loffhagen, Belinda Colling, Adine Harper, Daneka Wipiiti; Helena Paapa, Anna Rowberry, Temepara George, Jenny-May Coffin, Anna Veronese, Lesley Nicol; Linda Vagana, Bernice Mene, Villimaina Davu, Belinda Charteris and Sheryl Clarke.
