Netball: WHS set to take unbeaten rivals

LIVEWIRE: Seen here eyeing up Kaierau's Rachel Lynch (GA) WHS' Kelera Kuruyabaki (left) was hot on both attack and defence on Monday night. Photo/Bevan Conley

A repeat of last season's unbeaten run looks likely for Wanganui High School A1 after relegating Kaierau A to third spot on Monday night at the Springvale Stadium with a 48-42 victory in the premier netball championship.

The Phillips Electrical-sponsored side claimed last season's title after an unbeaten run and last week stepped to a clear lead on the points table after the then unbeaten Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau and East Club Sportsedge drew.

On Monday night however, Kaierau slipped to third after succumbing to a stronger WHS, while Sportsedge remain in second spot on the table after dealing to Mint Cafe Marist 69-35.

The only thing separating WHS and Sportsedge on the points table is the draw last week. Effectively both sides remain unbeaten, although Sportsedge look a little more vulnerable than the well-drilled WHS girls. WHS coach Lisa Murphy said strong driving through court on attack bringing the ball into shooters Sammy Murphy (GS) and Renee Butler (GA) was lovely to watch on Monday night.

Butler did a power of work outside the circle combining with Ruhia Tamati (WA)and Brodie Flower (C) nicely on to the circle edge.

In the second half, WHS defence picked up some vital ball with Kelera Kuruyabaki (GD) bringing the ball down court to link with the attack.

Meanwhile, Sportsedge started slowly again, but once the girls settled into the game they showed vision and flair.

Coach Trish Anstis said Kairaihi Peina (WA) was on fire both on attack and defence feeding the shooters Julie Rowan and Victoria Anstis well, who both only missed one goal by half time with the score at 41-17.

Changes where made and Sportsedge took time to settle once again.

Captain Deshannon Matthews at (WD) had a impressive game leading by example creating turnovers throughout the court.

"Unfortunately, we weren't able to keep up our intensity for the whole game, but at times looked slick with [the] final score at 69-35," Anstis said.

Taihape is shaping to make the top four with a 39-30 win over Collegiate on Monday, although Kaiwhaiki is only one point adrift after a narrow 48-45 win over Cullinane.

The final match-up of round one will be played on Monday, July 21 following the school holidays.

The teams will be split into the top four and bottom four for round robin play before the semifinals and championship final to follow.

Monday's results at a glance

Phillips Electrical WHS A1 48 v Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau A 42

Eastclub Sportsedge 69 v Mint Cafe Marist 35

Kaiwhaiki 48 v Cullinane 45

Taihape 39 v Collegiate 30