Netball: Classy displays in the Reserves

Takahiwai return to form but draw match In the second week of the championship round of Premier Reserve there were some close games and a draw indicating how tight this competition is.

In the game Wahine Toa 3 against Takahiwai there were some glimpses of the old premier Takahiwai team and for three-quarters of the game they led. However, Wahine Toa 3 clawed back to draw the game at fulltime with the score 36 all.

For Takahiwai, Kaylah Chapman at goal defence had an outstanding game while Muritere Apiata at goal shoot was consistent.

Wahine Toa 3 gave a huge team effort to come from 7 down to draw the game. Sisters Harono and Leah Te Iringa and Samantha Mehana in defence got lots of tips and turnover ball putting good pressure on the attacks. Te Mania Te Iringa at wing attack and Ivy Te Nana at centre delivered good ball down the court with speed and fed the circle well. The shooters including Sharlene Wikaire, Telitha Everitt and Barbara Te Whare held ground gaining penalties and they positioned well and shot well.

Elsewhere, Wahine Toa 2 narrowly beat Educare Fideliter 2 by 38-37. The score was drawn at both half time and the third quarter and the game could have gone either way.

For Wahine Toa 2, young defender Tegs Wharewaka was solid on defence while Elaine Ross and daughters Tamea and Sharleece Ross Hill provided a variety of speed, style and positioning in the shooting circle.

For Fideliter 2 Megan Christie at wing defence did a great job to keep the attackers off the shooting circle and Renee Lowther at centre and wing defence made an impact in both positions. Tina Cachemaille at goal shoot shot well. Nane Maru coming on at goal attack in the final quarter had a positive impact in the circle.

In other games, Marist 1 narrowly beat Pizza Barn BBC Waipu by 33-31. Marist 1 had a new combination with Karen Compton at goal defence and Rebecca Simper at goal keep and they got a number of timely intercepts and rebounds. Ann Maree Beazley playing her first game for Marist added height to the defence end. Rachel Harrison at centre played a great attacking game in the first half and combined well with Kate Atchinson at wing attack to feed some good ball to the shooters. Both Jaimee Dunn at goal attack and Germaine Gibson at goal shoot started slowly but got into their rhythm at the end slotting some crucial shots.

For BBC Waipu Jess Cole at goal shoot played a mature game and Marama Morunga at centre showed speed and skill in the mid court.