Netball: Early flurry carries Fideliter 1 to title

Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 built on a good start to become 2012 Premier netball champions with a 49-40 win over Treewise Marist Old Girls.

The game was strongly contested but Fideliter's strong first half saw them ahead at halftime and even though Marist won the third quarter it wasn't enough to bridge the gap.

The defensive duo of Alisha Takimoana and Rowena Davis-Cooper took time to adjust to the style of the Marist shooters, however they continually worked to improve their positioning and defensive techniques and were rewarded with rebounds and intercepts.

The athleticism, flair and speed of the mid court players including Ajay Young, Joanne Davis-Cooper and Lara Tipene saw Fideliter gain valuable ball, which was quickly dispatched to their shooters to convert. Young, in particular, had an outstanding game with her court positioning, attacking and defensive skills and her accurate circle feed. The injection of Fideliter's co-coach Trina Henare at goal attack in the second quarter saw the game move to a new dimension as her on-court leadership saw a faster free-flowing game. Fideliter were ahead 25-18 at halftime.

Jessie McClintock Maihi, at goal shoot for three quarters, positioned well and shot consistently.

For Fideliter it was definitely a full team effort, including some bench players who took their opportunity to shine.

For Marist, Kelly Middleton at goal keep slowly found her rhythm and as the game progressed she read the opposition play and came up with some nice tips and intercepts. She was assisted by Helen Francis who worked tirelessly. Rose Parker at wing defence proved annoying and she got some good tips and turnover ball and was also strong on attack.

The introduction of Tracey Bradley into wing attack in the third quarter only was an effective change in that this was the only quarter Marist won.

They also started strongly in the final quarter to get within three goals, however Fideliter 1 found their second wind and worked hard to get the ball safely to the final shooting combination of Henare and Kate Te Whata.

The match for third and fourth was won by Northland Coastal Development Whangaruru who beat Semco Group Onerahi 1 by a 10-goal margin.

Whangaruru won 66-56 with both teams clearly enjoying the encounter with no trophy at stake. However the final placings count for 2013 ranking and Wahine Toa 1, another new team in the premier competition, were pleased with their fifth-placed ranking after a good win over Manawanui 1 52-45.

Wahine Toa 1 were one goal up at the end of the first quarter but Manawanui led at half time and three-quarter time by three goals before Wahine Toa 1 had a huge last quarter.

Semco Group Onerahi 2 will be happy to come away with a win over WGHS 1 54-31. Both teams face promotion-relegation in 2013 and will have to play in grading to retain a place in premiers.