Scrappy netball opening night

Kaiwhaiki wing attack Waimanawa Potaka-Osborne Whanarere avoids Taihape goal attack Shontelle Knight and wing defence Brooklyn Walker during season opener on Monday.PHOTO/Bevan Conley

Game one of the 2017 Whanganui Premier 1 netball season on Monday proved a rather messy start to the competition with a scrappy match between Kaiwhaiki and Taihape.

Spectators were subjected to a fair amount of nonsense occurring off the ball, late and deliberate obstructing and contacting and retaliation arising out of frustration.

"Not good netball to watch," Netball Whanganui operations manager Parekura Muraahi said.

Muraahi said it was a tight start with the first quarter tied up 14-all.

"The injection of goal attack Ina Whanarere with her sharp movements and crafty play, together with the shooting prowess of goal shoot Shannah Andrews saw Kaiwhaiki take the second quarter 7-20."

Captain Kahureremoa Aki and wing attack Waimanawa Potaka-Osborne Whanarere delivered consistent ball into Andrews who shot 94 percent (32 from 34) in the first half.

Taihape came out with avengeance in the second half and attempted to smother Andrews on defence. Goal attack Whanarere carried the load well, which was enough to attract defensive attention back to her and open up opportunities for Andrews who finished the game on 85 percent netting 46 from 54 attempts. Kaiwhaiki drew out to a 61-59 win in the final quarter.

Scrappy play was evident throughout opening night and the late match-up between Marist A1 and last season's premiership runners-up Phillips Electrical Whanganui High School was little different.

WHS coach Lisa Murphy conceded some play could be put down to opening season jitters, but the level of skill needed to lift throughout the competition.

"Ours was a close match throughout against Marist with only a couple of points the difference all the way through. I was pleased we held on for the 48-46 win, but really there needs to be a tidy up in all teams in the competition," Murphy said.

"This is premier netball and the skill level should reflect that, not scrappy play."

Scores at a glance
Taihape v Kaiwhaiki- 59-61 Kaiwhaiki
Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau A1 v Ruapehu - 59-24 to Kaierau
Mere Te Aroha v Marist A2 - 35-57 to Mere Te Aroha
Marist A1 v Phillips Electrical WHS A1 - 46-48 WHS