Netball: Win puts Whangaruru in final

Jasmine Milton at goal keep for Whangarei Girls' High School defends Sherryn Schraag's shot for Treewise Marist. Photo / Judy MacDonald

In the second week of the finals format teams ranked one and six had a bye, and for premiers that was Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 and 2.

Bodies went on the line during Helena Bay Whangaruru's 45-42 win over Manawanui White, with the winner going through to play Fideliter 1 in the final this weekend.

There was no compromise or love lost in the game with both teams desperate for the win.

The game was really close in the first quarter despite an early three-goal lead by Whangaruru - with only one goal in it by quarter time.

At the start of the second quarter Whangaruru tallied up eight consecutive goals, so by halftime they had pulled ahead to lead by seven goals.

At the end of the third quarter they had increased that slightly to lead by nine goals.

The final quarter, however, Manawanui White owned and won it comprehensively, forcing Whangaruru to play a delaying tactical game.

For Whangaruru, Morgan Taurua at goal shoot had her best game of the season - she started strongly, overcoming some personal confidence battles to shoot at 96 per cent accuracy.

In the mid-court Trina Henare at centre and Renee Paniona at wing attack worked tirelessly on attack and defence.

In defence Liahona Hebden at goal keep and Reanon Hetaraka Sadler at goal defence worked hard the whole game and were effective in getting turnover ball.

Manawanui White were on the back foot from the start. However, Hayley Thompson at goal keep was the standout player working tirelessly to put pressure on the Whangaruru shooters and to disrupt their flow.

In the second half and despite a slow start Jaelyn Walker at goal shoot shot with accuracy and precision. Overall Manawanui White was not able to match the intensity or will of the Whangaruru team.

In the other game, Treewise Marist started and finished well as they accounted for Whangarei Girls' High School 62-45.

After Marist led by eight goals by the end of the first quarter, the second quarter was a lot closer and they only managed to increase their lead by another two goals.

The rest of the game went Marist's way and at the end of the third quarter they led by 15 goals.

For Marist Sherryn Schraag at goal shoot had an outstanding game, moving and positioning well and shooting consistently.

In the second half Sharleece Ross Hill came on at goal attack and she also shot well.

In the mid-court Kim Ruth at centre and Hayley Taylor at wing defence brought the ball through the court well and Taylor was particularly disruptive and effective on defence picking up some nice turnover ball.

Puawai Shortland started at goal attack before moving to goal defence at halftime and in defence she applied good pressure on the shooters.

For Girls' High it was a good first half and overall a season-best performance by both Leihana Shelford Tito at goal shoot and Olivia Lobb at goal attack - that despite intense pressure by the Marist defence.

Premier results:

Treewise Marist 62 v WGHS 45.

Helena Bay Whangaruru 45 v Manawanui White 42.

Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 and 2 had a bye.