Bottom four netball playoffs a tense affair

SHUT DOWN: Cullinane shooter Shannah Andrews was restricted to just 4 goals in the final quarter against Marist after scoring 11 in each of the first three.

The bottom four play-offs in the Wanganui Premier A1 Netball Championships threatened to head to extra time at Springvale Stadium on Monday night.

In the plate final Inspire Kaiwhaiki came back late in the piece after trailing early to beat New World's Mackintosh Shearing Taihape 47-46.

Trailing at the half-time break with Taihape winning the first and second quarters 14-10 and 11-9 respectively, Kaiwhaiki came out strong in the second half netting 26 goals and restricting Taihape to just 8 on the back of some great defensive pressure from circle pairing Te Rina Peina and Leanne Te Waaka.

They were well supported by wing defence Ahungarangi Whanarere, who picked up numerous intercepts in the mid-court. Everything was locked up 37-all halfway through the final quarter and as officials prepared for potential extra time, Kaiwhaiki put together a seven goal run to clinch the win and the title of 2016 Plate Final Champions.

In an epic night of netball in front of a small, but dedicated crowd of supporters, both play-off matches were tense affairs.

In the playoff for 3rd and 4th, Mint Marist A1 trailed Cullinane every quarter 12-9, 25-17 and 39-32 leading up to the final spell.

Coach Sharon Kaua dropped goal defence Javell Pereka back to goal keep in the fourth quarter where she restricted Cullinane goal shoot Shannah Andrews to just 4 goals after having netted 11 in each of the first three.

The defensive pressure mounted and a seven goal run allowed Marist to claw their way back to within one. With the score tied 44-all and the teams going goal for goal, officials prepared to go into extra time, but Marist snatched a crucial turnover from Cullinane's centre pass and goal attack Sarah Teki-Clarke nailed the winning goal in the final seconds of the match to win 45-44.

Meanwhile, the Premier season concludes with the top four playoffs next Monday (August 8) at the earlier time of 5.45pm where Wanganui Athletic Sports will play newcomers Mere Te Aroha for 3rd and 4th. The Grand Final will kick off at 7.30pm between defending champions Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau and Phillips Electrical WHS A1.