NETBALL - Combined count on experience

Marist Combined secured a place in this year's grand final after victory over Fideliter 44-38 in Whangarei premier netball on Saturday.
The experience of the Combined side was evident early in the match, making the most of any possession which came their way.
Amy Pooley was steady in wing attack for Combined, running well through the attacking end and giving tidy service to their strong shooting line-up.
Hayley Barrell also proved to be a thorn in Fideliter's side with a tireless performance through the midcourt both on defence and attack.
It was in the first quarter that Combined took control of the match; Fideliter came back at them a number of times throughout, but were not quite able to surpass that initial deficit.
Fideliter goal defence Lauren Eagle was in sublime form again for her side, with a power of work not only on defence but throughout the court. Midcourter Ursula Albrecht and goal shoot Judy MacDonald also gave a strong performances.
But Combined had one hand on that grand final spot and were not about to let it go; they took a hard-fought victory to earn a week off while Fideliter have to fight to claim the remaining spot.
Fast-improving Takahiwai have put their hand up as title contenders with their emphatic victory over Marist 1 50-43.
After Marist's win over clubmates Combined last week it was surely an upset, but Takahiwai brought a clever brand of netball on court; they were sure and steady and gave it their all.
And to back up their victory over Hora Hora last week with this great victory, Takahiwai have clearly hit their stride.
Marist goal shoot Sophie Tua was leading from the front for her side, but was unable to gain the service she enjoyed last week and had to work very hard in the face of a strong Takahiwai defence.
Takahiwai matriarch Ramarie Pirihi, in shoot, was outstanding in both her own performance and in encouraging and directing her teammates throughout.
Teaming up well again with young Morgan Taurua, the Marist defenders were unable to break their confidence.
It was in the fourth quarter that Takahiwai really took it out of Marist's reach and secured themselves a match-up with Fideliter next week to duke out the remaining grand final berth.
In the final match of the day, Hora Hora lifted well to take Whangarei Girls' High School 53-40.
The highly rated Hora Hora lifted themselves after a disappointing defeat last week to pull together an excellent team performance for a classy win.
Goal shooter Ringi Hohepa gave another solid performance for Hora Hora before leaving the court injured, but her outstanding accuracy prior to her injury ensured a handy advantage.
Also strong for Hora Hora were goal attack Ellyse Lewis and defenders Raewyn Young and Kiz Crewther.
So after the first round of the finals series, Marist Combined is through to the grand final and has a bye next week.
Fideliter and Takahiwai match up next week to play off for the remaining grand final spot, and Marist 1 and Hora Hora face off to snatch the final place in the top four.