Netball: Halftime rejig pays off for WHS

Netball PHOTO/FILE

Going into Top 4 of the Wanganui Premier Netball Competition on Monday night, Phillips Electrical WHS A1 had a single goal in mind - to win the title unbeaten for the second year on end.

In Monday night's game, WHS A1 continued working toward the final goal with a dominant 56-33 victory over fourth-placed Kaiwhaiki.

The team started well with some nice play through court, winning the first quarter 19-7. With Leila Blackburn out with a minor ankle injury, Rose Wainhouse played her first full game at premier level and worked well with Kelera Kuruyabaki in the defence circle.

Coach Lisa Murphy made changes at halftime, Diana Taha-Williams Cribb coming on to GA, Ashleigh Candish into WD and moving Ruhia Tamati into C and Brodie Flower to WA.

WHS took a while to settle the new combination, but managed to stay ahead in the third quarter, winning it 14-8.

Sammy Murphy had a consistent game at goal shoot, with a 91 per cent success shooting rate.

Coach Murphy was pleased with the result and how the girls played with the changes she made throughout the game.

WHS A1 went through to take the title last season unbeaten and Murphy was unsure how new combinations would handle the pressure after losing four top players from last season.

Ashlee Murphy, Rachael Horricks, Georgia Heffernan and Ngaere Chambers have all left school, so were ineligible for the school team.

Meanwhile, Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau moved into clear second after a 49-43 win over East Club Sportsedge on Monday.

Coach Marama Cameron said Kaierau got off to a slow start, but changes she made in the first quarter paid off.

Normally reluctant to single out players for special mention, Cameron made an exception, citing Suzanne Guilford's GS performance as outstanding.

"It's always very tight when we play Sportsedge, but Suzanne's performance definitely made a difference. It was a team effort and shooting at 81 per cent, Suzanne was the standout."

Cameron also coaches Collegiate and commended the schoolgirls' effort as they beat Cullinane 46-32 in the bottom four competition.

"It was easily their best netball this season. These girls have built each game they've played and really gelled as a team - a great team effort," she said.

In the other bottom four match-up on Monday, Taihape had a 46-29 win over Mint Cafe Marist - a side who have yet to win a game this season.

Next week features the final round-robin games before the semifinals begin. Finals night is scheduled for Monday, August 25.