Disciplined Takahiwai 1 end Atlas Cranes Fideliter 2's run

Atlas Cranes Fideliter 2's dream run in Whangarei Netball's premier grade was ended when they faced Takahiwai 1.
With an injury early in Friday night's game Jess McClintock Mahi, a specialist shooter, had to play defence. While she and Bronwyn Henderson had a great game up against the tall Takahiwai shooter, Ale Gwynne, it meant the remaining Fideliter shooters were under real pressure and seemed to lack confidence in the shot. Takahiwai's Belinda Dawson provided solid defence and on attack Kerri Woodman at centre provided good through court ball. Overall Takahiwai played the more consistent and disciplined game and deserved the 51-21 win.

In Friday's other premier grade game, Good Ground Fideliter 1 finally got it together and played cohesively as a team against Flames Onerahi 2, winning 43-36. Fideliter 1's Tina Cachemaile-Bayne at shooter played a solid and consistent game and was fed some good ball. The move of Emma Semenoff from goal attack to centre worked to Fideliter's advantage. For Onerahi 2, defender Cherith Schraag had yet another great defensive game and Jess Lowe did some good work mid court but it was not enough to prevent them from the eighth placing in the preliminary
round. Both teams now play in promotion-relegation on Saturday, June 19.
It was a nail-biter when Flames Onerahi 1 played Guyco Marist Old Girls on Saturday. The game was drawn at fulltime and went into extra-time where Onerahi 1 just nudged out Marist, winning 41-39.
While reasonably low scoring, it reflected the very strong make-up of both teams. Marist Old Girls initially edged ahead through better composure and discipline but then the speed and tenaciousness of Onerahi 1 shone through.
The tussle between Marist shooter Sophie Tua and the Onerahi 1 defender Loren Weekes was the match up of the season. Onerahi 1's victory makes them the preliminary round winners.

No one was more disappointed than Whangarei Old Boys when they commenced their match against Whangarei Girls High School 1 with only six players. At this stage in the competition you cannot afford to do this without being punished.
WGHS 1 not only punished them but Dee Telfer as coach was able to play all her players and test a variety of playing combinations. WGHS played a strong, athletic game and Old Boys  were unable to be the competitive team they normally are and lost 73-37.
Meanwhile, Manawanui Old Girls took an early lead in the premier reserve preliminary final against Wahine Toa 1.
Changes in both the attack and defence ends by Wahine Toa 1 did little to halt Manawanui's increasing lead,  with good speed through the mid court and good ball to the accurate shooting combination of Judith Campbell and Gail Shepherd.
Wahine Toa's Ruakana (Kana) Whiu played a committed and strong game, but Manawanui were too good, winning 66-43. The two teams will also play in Saturday's promotion relegation at Whangarei Netball Courts.