Whanganui netball: Kaierau A2 and Waimarino draw in thrilling Premier 2 clash

Kaierau's Rebecca Benge shoots for goal as Kaiwhaiki defender Kelera Kuruyabaki looks on.

Mt View Marist A2 secured the win against an ever-improving Kaierau Gemini Pepper Construction A3 in David Jones Motors Premier Netball on Monday.

Arguably producing their best performance of the season to date, the bottom-of-the-table Kaierau side stayed within reach for the majority of the game, the quarter scores of 9-7, 16-16, 24-22 showing just how close it was before Marist pulled away in the final stanza to win 36-26.

The second Premier 2 game between Kaiwhaiki Gold A2 and St John’s Club Tech A1 had all the intensity of last year’s grand final between the two sides.

Tech shot out to an early 6-2 lead, prompting some early intervention from the Kaiwhaiki coaches – which had the desired effect, with the team going into the first break leading 12-9.

Tech pushed back to even the score at 18-18 by halftime before Kaiwhaiki pulled away in the second half to win 41-32.

Assistant coach Joseph Hill noted a tidy performance from his side, converting 87% of their centre passes and an accurate evening under the post from goal shoot Sharnarose Pehi, netting 35 from 40.

The final Premier 2 clash was the highlight of the night with a 32-32 draw between top-of-the-table Kaierau Air Whanganui A2 and Prem 2 debutantes Waimarino A1.

Waimarino, struggling with mid-season illnesses and injuries, led at every quarter break, 9-6, 16-14, 24-21.

Coach Terehia Tapa-Gardiner highlighted goal shoot Emily Coogan as a standout.

“She’s used to playing a moving game but mixed it up tonight, posting up when she needed to, which is something we’ve been working on at training.”

Kaierau coach Amanda Engert had to ask a little more of her players, with Leela McIlraith switching between the shooting and defensive ends to cover in the absence of Kristen Ashworth.

Engert was impressed with midcourter Georgia Bronwal, who she said stood out for her during the match, and she was equally pleased with her side’s ability to stay in the game and come away with the draw after trailing every quarter.

In Premier 1 games, Kaiwhaiki A1 continued their winning streak with a 42-27 win over last year’s Premier 1 champs Kaierau Mitre 10 Mega A1.

HP Pirates A1 picked up a comfortable win against WCS Senior A, 45-32, while Phillips Electrical WHS A1 pulled away in the second half to beat Mt View Marist A2 45-36.

Teams now get a chance to meet each other again as they head into the second round robin next week before taking a break for the school holidays.