Netball: Stubborn defence sets up Marist win

Erin Gunson (left), of Marist, waits as Lil Reihana, Manawanui Collegiate Red goal attack, shoots. Phot / Emma Miller

Marist sprang the surprise of round-three premier reserve netball with a 38-26 win over Manawanui Collegiate.

Craig's Firestone Marist and the higher-ranked Manawanui Collegiate Red were equal at the end of Saturday's first quarter but by halftime the Marist team led by eight.

Manawanui Collegiate Red's Chelsea Grace (goal shoot, then wing defence) was outstanding in defence and Amira Te Iringa was consistent at goal shoot.

However, Marist's defence shut down the shooters, with Erin Gunson (goal keep) and Lucinda McBeth (goal defence) getting through a high volume of work.

Teresa Hita had a solid shooting performance.

Manawanui Red had a 45-24 win over Beds R Us Marist after a good start that saw then ahead by eight goals at the end of the first quarter.

Manawanui Red goal keep Janice Brown and Ari Ihaka (goal defence) picked up several intercepts while putting pressure on the shooters. Te Aroha Palmer (centre) had her best game of the season and wing defence Shannon Te Ao had another strong game. Manawanui's shooters were made to work hard against the tall Marist defence, with Karen Compton (goal defence) working tirelessly. Jackie Marvin (goal keep) worked hard for tips and rebounds in the last quarter.

Wahine Toa 1 had a 49-19 win over KHS1, dominating the second half to win by 30. Wahine Toa 1's Maria Dick masterminded the win. Renee Himiona at goal defence and Barbara Te Whare at goal keep combined to secure turnover ball. Te Ewinga Wharewaka showed strength and confidence and Telitha Everitt shone at wing attack/goal attack.

For KHS 1, Sophie Jennings at goal keep and goal defence played out of position and did a fantastic job. She combined well with Irihaapeti Te What-Ashby. Hayley Salmon, Halo Rapira and Chalique Poutai were rotated through the shooting positions, allowing different combinations to be trialled.