Late goal earns semis spot

Excitement and confidence is growing by the minute after Wanganui's girls made the semifinal of the New Zealand Age Group Under 17 Netball Championships in Hastings yesterday.

The Wanganui rep squad has only dropped one game during pool play against Christchurch on day one of the tournament and coincidentally they play the same team in the first semi at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park this morning.

Coach Lisa Murphy was ecstatic after yesterday afternoon's 35-26 victory over a strong North Harbour side that was stacked with big intimidating girls.

"Amazing - these girls are amazing," an elated Murphy said from courtside immediately after the match yesterday.

"The girls played beautifully controlled netball despite the size of the opposition. They just kept their cool and played their own game. We've now made the semifinals and that's the best we've ever done."

In the first game of pool play Wanganui went down 42-35 to Christchurch before easily beating Mangere/Otahuhu 32-21, Manawatu 34-27 then sneaking through for a one-point victory over Taranaki yesterday morning. The score in that match was 24-23 after Sammy Murphy slotted a late goal in the dying seconds of the game.

"It's been a complete team effort with Sammy Murphy (GS) and Danielle Pearce (GA) working very well together and shooting brilliantly. Sammy was using her height to great advantage. They were getting quality ball, though, from Rachael Horrocks (WA) and Brodie Flower (C). Those two also were very solid on defence with Kelly Davenport (WD). Kelera Kuruyabaki (GK) and Jackie Gowler (WD) also had strong games which helped immensely.

"The confidence and excitement is growing by the minute, although we know well it's still a hard road ahead, especially playing Christchurch again, but I'm sure the girls are up for the challenge," Murphy said.