Netball: Wanganui rep teams dominate at home

The Wanganui Year 8 representative netball team have won two tournaments in two weeks. Back row: Taina Nagua, Emma Haitana, O'Sharn Kata, Montel Aki. Front row: Rebecca Tamati, Imogen Flower, Sarah Gower-James, Teagan Tapa. Absent: Talitua Leo. Photo/Supplied

Wanganui age group representative and development teams dominated at the ZM Combined Rep netball tournament at Laird Park on Sunday. Six Wanganui teams took on teams from throughout the central North Island across four age groups with three Wanganui sides winning their grade and two finishing runner-up.

Under-17 reps:

Despite taking the title, coach Lisa Murphy said the Wanganui under-17 team were below par in winning all their games on the way to a 31-12 win over the Wanganui Development side in the final. With injuries and illness throughout the day, Murphy was forced into regular changes. "I think this was part of the reason we did not gel together in our games," she said. "There was some nice moments of play throughout the day but it was just not consistent." The team play a tournament in Hawkes Bay this weekend.

Under-17 development:

Meanwhile, the Wanganui under-17 development side were playing their second home tournament of the season collecting a win over Horowhenua a loss in the round robin to the top Wanganui side and a draw with Wairarapa. The development side head to Levin this weekend.

Under-15 reps:

The Wanganui under-15 rep also took out their division but had to fight for a win in the final against Hutt Valley. After cruising through pool play unbeaten, the home side trailed most of the game but after a late rally drew level at 22-all with just over a minute remaining. Coach Parekura Muraahi was impressed with her team's composure and ability to fight back in the final quarter. "It was a good opportunity for them to experience the intensity of finals and perform under pressure," she said. Standouts for the under-15 representative side were Taliah S'ua, who shot 16 from 17, Britney Rourangi and captain Niamh Flower.

Under-15 development:

The under-15 development side managed one win from their four games but coach Annie Rolls said the result didn't reflect the team's ability.

It was not helped by the continual shuffle of positions to ensure adequate court time for players, a key factor in being a development squad, Rolls said.

Standout players for the under-15 development side were Melini Moe and Britney Tawhara.

Year 8 reps:

The unstoppable Wanganui Year 8 representative side backed up their Steffensen Cup win in Palmerston North the previous weekend with a victory at Sunday's home ZM Combined tournament.

In an unbeaten run the Year 8s brushed aside Manawatu, Kapiti, Taranaki and Kapiti-Mana before beating Northern Suburbs 22-17 in the final. Coach Te Ora Nyman said mental and physical fitness played a big part in the team's performance and she was looking forward to the chance to pick up a hat-trick of tournament wins at the Molly Dorne Tournament in Levin this Sunday.

Year 7 reps:

The Wanganui Year-7 representative team also had a strong showing in their second tournament of the year winning three matches against Kapiti, Wellington West, Taranaki Development and Northern Suburbs. The team's solitary loss - to a strong Manawatu side - left them runners-up in the grade.