Collegiate mid-court shines

MID-COURT MAGIC: Karaihi Peina (WA) aims to elude WHS' Kahurangi Sturmey and goal keep Taliah Su'a (far left) as she feeds quick ball to her East Club Sports teammate Victoria Anstis (GA) during the 49-all draw on Monday night. PHOTO/TRINA PRIDDLE 210715WCSUPEASTCLUB

THE LEADERBOARD began to take shape with semifinals looming when Wanganui Premier One netball resumed on Monday night after a three-week break.

In the opening game, bottom of the table Wanganui Collegiate toppled fourth seeds Cullinane College. Defender Lisa Lin teamed up with Sophie Collins in the shooting circle this week. Their strong defensive abilities ensured they retained possession to create high volume. This was aided by solid defence at the other end of the court from Olivia Donald and Cheyann McDougall, but it was the quiet achievers of the mid-court that shone brightly for this spectator with centre Jasmin Phillips, wing attack Mako Osborne and wing defence Alice Gray providing good pressure over the ball and strong lines on attack to ensure wealthy supply of ball to their shooters. Collegiate led 10-6, 22-15 and 36-22 at the breaks before going on to win 49-31.

In the other game of the round, Mint Cafe Marist A1 led Ruapehu Sports Club 14-9, 27-20 and 42-30 at the breaks before pulling away to win 50-38. Solid performances at both ends of the court were the highlight for coach Sharon Kaua with Mikayla Pihema-Taiaroa and Cassie Titter both shooting well while Te Atawhai McDonnell and Javelle Pareka were strong on defence.

Round two saw East Club Sports and Phillips Electrical Wanganui High School A1 draw 49-all in a game that probably should have had a clear winner. Ten apiece at the first quarter break, EC Sports nudged ahead to lead 24-23 at half-time. Changes to the WHS side took a while to settle trailing by six at one stage. But they found their rhythm and went on to win the quarter and take the lead at the three quarter break 38-37.

WHS coach Lisa Murphy noted that the majority of her side have not played at this level before and she has some real youngsters in the side such as Year 10 mid-courter Kerwyn Morgan who provided great speed, drive and determination through the court. Aside from their match against Marist who pushed them to within 11 goals, their games have been comfortable wins of 20 or more so it was a great opportunity for them to experience such intensity leading up to play offs. The experience of captain Sam Murphy shone through netting 44 from her 49 attempts to finish the game on 90 per cent. Murphy will be working with her side on treasuring possession heading into next week's final round-robin game and has every faith in her side's ability to contend the premiership.

EC Sports coach Trish Anstis felt her side had plenty of opportunities to forge ahead in the first half but there were far too many fundamental errors that allowed WHS to stay in the game. They didn't always treasure possession and found themselves having to work harder to create more turnover ball. Karaihi Peina and Victoria Anstis were quick on their feet and picked up some valuable possession through the midcourt along with wing defence De Shannon Matthews who had a strong game linking well with the attack end. The new combination in the shooting circle of Anstis and Julie Rowan grew as the game progressed but with nine more attempts at goal than their counterparts, will be feeling the missed opportunity.

In the final match of the night Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau dominated Kaiwhaiki winning 63-29. With goal shoot Suezanne Guilford off sick and a couple of minor injury concerns, coach Marama Cameron opted to rest and rotate her players.

Next week Marist take on Cullinane, which will decide the final spot in the top four for semi-final play offs on August 3. The final is scheduled for August 10.