Netball: Fideliter earn bye after close victory

Marist 1 goal shoot Terrianne Takulua takes a pass while Manawanui Red's Ari Ihaka attempts an intercept. Photo / Judy MacDonald

In the first week of premier netball finals, Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 - with a 52-46 win over Manawanui White - earned themselves a bye next week leading into the finals the following week.

However, the game didn't go all Fideliter's way, with both teams winning two quarters each.

Manawanui White won the first and final quarters and Fideliter 1 the second and third quarters.

For Fideliter 1, coach Jonette Chapman showed faith in the team rotating players and getting the whole team on court in what was a very close game.

Cassey Cooper at goal shoot settled the team well and showed good leadership on court.

She was well supported by Rowie Davis Cooper at goal attack. Lara Cooper at centre read the play well and used speed to deliver the ball through the court.

Ayla Reilly, for Manawanui White, at goal keep had a strong game. Kaea Robinson at goal defence was effective on defence and attack.

Jaelyn Walker at goal shoot continues to impress with her skill in the circle and ability to take high balls.

Whangaruru Premier were dominant this week in their game against WGHS Snr 1, winning 74-54. Whangaruru Premier led by five at the end of the first quarter but strengthened this in the next two quarters to go well in front.

This was a high-scoring and fast-paced game by both teams, but the win gave Whangaruru Premier a chance at the final in two weeks' time.

For Whangaruru Premier, Sophie Tua at goal attack had an outstanding game and took responsibility for a lot of the attacking work and strong shooting.

In the midcourt, Shawni Paniona at wing attack and then goal attack in the final quarter also had a strong game.

Sue Ann Nesbit at goal defence did a volume of work and got some good tips and turnover ball.

For WGHS Snr 1, Maddy Gordon showed her skill playing goal shoot, centre and goal keep. Gordon was particularly effective in the second half at goal keep.

Leihana Shelford-Tito at goal attack had a high work rate and did a lot of the shooting.

YHPJ Marist 1's win over Manawanui Red means that they avoid the bye next week with a chance to progress their rankings leading into the finals.

This was a close, low-scoring game. Manawanui Red started strong to be ahead by two goals at the end of the first quarter. This was reversed by half time to see Marist 1 in front by two goals.

By three quarter time Marist 1 led by eight goals and closed the game out to win 42-35.

For Marist 1, Bella Drinnan at goal keep had an excellent game getting lots of turnover ball and rebounds.

Hanna Tukakai at centre had a good performance, was strong on attack through the court and effective on defence.

For Manawanui Red, Ari Ihaka at goal defence had a good performance, showing speed and agility. Karlene Tongotea was dynamic at wing attack.