Netball: Close call as WGHS win by one point

Morgan Taurua at goal shoot for Whangaruru lines up this shot while Fideliter 1 goal keep Alisha Takimoana defends it. PHOTO/JUDY MACDONALD

Results were predictable in the first week - of three - of finals-format netball, the tightest match being a one-point win to Whangarei Girls' High School over Active Refrigeration Fideliter 2.

A spirited third quarter from Fideliter 2, which included a string of six goals in a row, was not enough for them as Girls' High carried on their halftime lead of three to win 37-36.

The Girls' High mid-court combination of Hannah Tukaki at centre and Serai Wihongi at wing attack combined well to force some important turnovers as the shooters struggled under intense pressure from the opposition defence.

Jasmine Milton at goal keep secured some important turnovers in the final quarter which the tireless Leihana Shelford Tito converted to give the team the win.

For Fideliter 2 Jessica McPherson at goal keep and Kasey Potae at goal defence put in an enormous effort making it very hard for the Girls' High attackers and shooters to convert ball into goals.

Meanwhile, Manawanui White may have started slowly but by the end of their game against Treewise Marist they had a convincing lead, winning 64-46.

In reality this was a game of two halves with Marist in the lead by a goal at the end of the first quarter but by halftime Marist had increased their lead to be ahead by two goals.

However, from there it all went Manawanui White's way.

By the end of third quarter Manawanui White was leading by eight goals and by the final whistle they were ahead 18 goals.

For Manawanui White Larissa Hona at wing attack then centre was a standout player showing versatility, speed and flair.

Cherith Schraag at goal defence the whole game combined with Jade Telfer at goal keep in the second half to close down the free-flowing attacking end and they got some timely intercepts.

Jaelyn Walker, on at goal shoot in the second half, was an impact player with some big high ball thrown into her from the centre third.

For Marist Sue Ann Nesbit at goal keep played well and did some great work resulting in rebounds, tips and intercepts.

Tracey Whittaker at wing attack then centre fed the shooters some great ball with accuracy and speed. Sherryn Schraag at goal shoot played a great game with a good shooting percentage rate for most of the game.

In the final game of the weekend Helena Bay Whangaruru gave Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 another close game as Fideliter 1 came out winners 49-45 after leading from start to finish.

For Fideliter 1 the whole team put in a dedicated and polished performance, absorbing the pressure applied by Whangaruru. In particular Jo Davis-Cooper at centre together with Lara Cooper at wing attack controlled the mid-court, driving to the top of the circle and delivering good ball to shooters Cassey Cooper and Jude Campbell.

At the opposite end of the court Alisha Takimoana at goal keep rebounded well and managed to disrupt play.