Netball: WHS take lead as main rivals draw

Renee Butler handled the goal shoot position well after Sammy Murphy was subbed early in Wanganui High School's win over Mint Cafe Marist on Monday night. PHOTOS/BEVAN CONLEY

Wanganui High School has taken the outright lead in the Wanganui Premier netball competition after a 45-29 win over a depleted Marist side on Monday night.

That win and a dramatic draw between Car Centre Kaierau and East Club Sportsedge, the other two unbeaten teams, handed WHS the lead by a point.

Phillips Electrical Wanganui High School led their match from the outset with the reliable Sammy Murphy shooting well and defender Kelera Kuruyabaki causing havoc in circle for the Mint Cafe Marist's shooters.

Murphy, however, was still suffering from an illness and was pulled after the first quarter. It didn't slow WHS as they continued to extend their lead with Renee Butler slotting seamlessly into goal shoot.

WHS's pace and ability to create space down the court was evident and though Marist created their own opportunities, they couldn't turn possession into goals often enough.

Marist started the match with at least three frontline players down and lost another when ring-in Tash Bullock went down with an achilles injury in the second quarter.

The game continued in similar fashion, Marist putting together some good patches but in the end were outclassed by a slick WHS.

WHS coach Lisa Murphy said she was pleased with the effort given she had to make a few changes.

"It really was a team effort tonight," she said. "The girls are looking really good and sharp and they've just got to stay focussed."

Now the real test begins for the defending champions as they face fellow title contenders Sportsedge and Kaierau in coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Marist coach Sharon Kaua said the loss was a result of having so many players out and a relatively inexperienced side on the court .

Kaua said defensive players Puawai Clair and Donna Jefferies stood out for the mid-table side.

"We've just got to keep working hard and it's all about re-building."

Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau salvaged a deserved draw in the dying seconds against East Club Sportsedge.

Locked 34-all at three-quarter time, Sportsedge narrowly led for most of the final quarter before Kaierau levelled with its third shot in the final foray into the circle to draw 46-all.

Kaierau kept within range with Suzanne Guildford playing well against stern defence from Sportsedge's Airini Potaka and Kate Couchman. Sportsedge's Karaihi Peina also shone on her return from injury.

In other matches, Collegiate A recorded their second win of the season 32-27 over Kaiwhaiki and Taihape edged Cullinane 34-32.

Marist and Cullinane play a catch-up game tomorrow night.