Kaierau goal shoot Te Reo Paki looks to claim the ball under pressure from Kaiwhaiki goal keep Javell Pereka at Springvale Stadium.
Kaierau goal shoot Te Reo Paki looks to claim the ball under pressure from Kaiwhaiki goal keep Javell Pereka at Springvale Stadium.
Every underdog has their day as Sunday's Netball Whanganui Premier A1 final proved.
Kaiwhaiki pulled off a stunning 66-64 upset after extra time to shock defending champions Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau in front of a raucous Springvale Stadium crowd.
Not blessed with the same deep resources as their undefeated opposition,who made positional swaps and/or substitutions in every quarter, Kaiwhaiki had to keep faith with their starting lineup, who responded very well, remembering last year's playoff with the same opposition.
Having to claw back several times from three and four goal deficits, Kaiwhaiki did not put added pressure on themselves because of the occasion – chewing on lollies in the break between quarters and even bopping along to the stadium's in-house music.
Shooters Te Rangimarie Takiari-Cribb Maihi and Sharnarose Pehi needed to land the long bombs over their taller defenders and they delivered, while Waimanawa Potaka-Osborne Whanarere had a great game midcourt.
Kaierau will rue some precious turnovers both in the fourth quarter where they lost a three point lead and in the 10 minute extra time period.
In the minor playoff games, Phillips Electrical Whanganui High School finished third with a comfortable 55-35 victory over Mere Te Aroha, while Cullinane claimed fifth after beating Marist A1 57-45.
The Wanganui Chronicle will have a full match report on Tuesday.
