Defending champs in solid win

Defending champions Phillips Electrical Wanganui High School (WHS) A1 is well on the way to back-to-back titles after a solid win over challengers East Club Sports Edge in the premier netball league on Monday night.

Both teams were unbeaten in this round until the Monday night match up where WHSA1 came up trumps winning 53-42.

WHS coach Lisa Murphy said having her whole team back for the first time after injuries was a key factor in the victory.

"Ngaere Chambers, having five weeks off, came back into the game like she had never left with consistent play at wing defence helping cause a lot of turnover ball for us," Murphy said.

"Kelera Kuruyabaki (GK) once again played outstandingly, intercepting and rebounding vital ball for WHS with the help from Georgia Heffernan (GD).

"Brodie Flower (C) and Rachael Horrocks (WA) worked hard driving to the circle and feeding some great ball into the Murphy sisters who shot well. Ashlee worked tirelessly around the circle promoting great ball into Sammy who shot at 92 per cent to cement the game for us," Murphy said.

Meanwhile, East Club Sports Edge coach Trish Anstis praised players from both teams who displayed some fine skills.

"High School won 53-42, but we came out firing winning the first quarter 14-12," Anstis said.

"Wing defence Taniele McDonnell and centre Deshannon Matthews worked hard to create many turnovers, which were finished off with some fine shooting from Aneka Erueti and Julie Rowan.

"Unfortunately, we couldn't match it in the second quarter when High School applied strong pressure on the centre pass and we struggled to find the circle edge. They won the second quarter 16-5.

"At halftime a change was needed and fresh legs were brought on.

"I thought the combination of Julie Rowan at goal keep and Amiria Paranihi (GD) worked well against such tall shooters - they never gave up," Anstis said.

The Nga Tawa/Collegiate clash was a thriller. Nga Tawa came out on top 31-30.

In the other clashes Marist went down to Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau 28-52.

Results at a glance

Phillips Electrical WHS A1 53 - East Club Sports Edge 42

Nga Tawa 31 - Collegiate 30

Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau A1 52 - Marist 28