Lucy Stewart (WD) and centre Te Whetu o Te Ata Matthews-Koro applied some much-needed pressure creating valuable turnovers. The pressure the duo applied gave goal keep Kelera Kuruyabaki and goal defence Sylvah Anderson the chance to also pick up some beautiful intercepts.
Down at the other end coach Deshannon Matthews gave Adrianne Whanarere (GA) standout of the night honours. She was shooting beautifully and pairing up well with her co-shooters and feeders, Matthews said.
"The injection of Teremai Potaka-Osborne at wing attack created space and drive onto the circle edge and her vision was outstanding feeding the shooters with precision. Overall a fantastic team effort, not the perfect game we are all aiming for, but definitely a lot of positives from that match."
MTA won the match 49-37 after taking control from the second quarter.
Kaierau's 64-55 victory over WHS may prove crucial with three rounds to go before semi-finalists are found.
"A better performance from my girls last night than in recent weeks. I'm really pleased to welcome back Te Reo Paki on court at goal shoot," Kaierau coach Walter Edmonds said.
"She did well to combine in the shooting circle with Rachel Lynch. I thought we did well to capitalise on WHS's early turnovers and that put us in a good space for the remainder of the game."
Meanwhile, the large crowd that gathered for the late game on Monday were in store for the closely-fought game between Mint Cafe Marist A1 and Kaiwhaiki A.
With both teams coming into this round on even points, this game was an important one towards a position in top four.
Marist came out firing with Nikki Crawford (GS) and captain Tash Bullock (GA) both shooting well in the shooting circle. Bullock commanded this end of the court, using her past experience and quick thinking to feed Crawford extremely well.
However, down the other end of the court the outstanding combination of Sarah Teki-Clark (GK) and Melissa Timoti (GD) fought tirelessly against the accurate shooting from both Kaiwhaiki shooters.
Cleared from a serious knee injury last season saw Mikayla Pihema-Taiaroa back on court in at GS. Bullock and Taiaroa combined well with Alicia Prince (WA) and the fast pace of Cara Blake (C), The game looked like it was Marist's by the end of the third quarter leading by 7.
Kaiwhaiki came into the last quarter with all guns blazing and matched Marist A1's speed an agility to then lead by two part way through the game. Position was won and lost through some fine interceptions and tips made by both teams. Marist A1 had to dig deep and capitalised on errors created by Kaiwhaiki in the last three minutes of the game.
Marist A1 won the game by a point 41-40.
Coaches Sharon Kaua and Te Rina Peina both agreed the game was a topsy turvey one that could have gone either way.
"We are very proud of our girls effort considering the injuries and illness currently among our team," Peina said.
"It was a tough battle and well played. Unfortunately, we made too many errors.
Defensively the team did great, working hard to help create opportunities for turnovers. Our team is young and improving on a weekly basis.
"Te Oranga Whanarere, Ina Whanarere-Nahona and Michelle Paranahi bonded well in the shooting circle, with outstanding defensive efforts by Taliatua Leo and Ahungarangi Whanarere. Kahureremoa Aki, Mahinarangi Millar-Potaka and Waimanawa Potaka-Osborne Whanarere worked hard to get the ball through to the shooters and to restrict the midcourt of Marist A1," Peina said.
+ AT A GLANCE
(Monday scores with table points in brackets)
Mere Te Aroha (12) beat Taihape (1) 49-37
Marist A1 (10) bt Kaiwhaiki (8) 41-40
Kaierau (10) bt WHS (9) 64-55
Ruapehu (3) bt Marist A2 (0) 46-34
