Netball: Fideliter seal top ranking spot

Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 made the most of their chances and are ranked No1 for the finals series with an exciting win over Northland Coastal Development Whangaruru.

It was a close game with Whangaruru leading by a goal at the end of the first quarter. Even though Fideliter led from then on, it was not until the final quarter that they got more than a few goals ahead, winning 48-42. Alisha Takimoana at goal keepwas outstanding for Fideliter.

Ajay Young at wing defence played a great "one on one" game then when she moved to wing attack in the final quarter teamed well with Lara Tipene at centre. Jess McClintock Maihi at goal shoot had a fantastic game percentage and worked well with Trina Henare at goal attack.

For Whangaruru, goal defence Liahona Hebden's persistence was rewarded with some good turnover ball. Sophy Tua at goal attack played a strong game, directing and controlling play.

In the final week of the championship round for premiers the rankings leading into the three week finals' format were realised. The ranking order is: Fideliter 1, Onerahi 1, Whangaruru, Marist Old Girls, Manawanui 1, Onerahi 2, Wahine Toa 1, WGHS 1.

The other matches were a bit more straight forward but Treewise Marist Old Girls with their 59-42 win over Wahine Toa 1 cemented their place in the top four. This is a great result as this team started the season in Premier Reserve competition. Both teams won two quarters apiece but Marist Old Girls had a dominant third quarter which assisted in giving them the win.

For Marist Old Girls, Rose Parker at wing defence for most of the game played a strong positional game turning over ball and getting a number of intercepts. She also linked well with the attacks to bring the ball down to the shooters. Vicky Taylor at wing attack for most of the match moved well and fed her shooters some great ball.

For Wahine Toa 1, Janita Andrews at goal shoot had an outstanding game and was ably assisted by nieces Maria Dick at goal attack and Kahu Dick at wing attack. Gladys Himiona at centre had a consistent game. Jaelyn Walker and Zarrah Pineaha in defence both had great games getting some nice rebounds and intercepts.

Manawanui 1 had a good win over Semco Group Onerahi 2 50-34. The game seemed closer than the final score indicated with the ball going back and forth to both ends of the court.

For Manawanui 1, it was an improved performance and Sandra Flintoff at goal shoot and Gail Shepherd at goal attack fired up the shooting circle working well together and achieving good shooting percentages.

Tara Wells at centre brought stability and a good defensive effort to the mid court. Aniwa Mahanga at wing defence worked tirelessly and provided relief on attack assisting to bring the ball through the court.

For Onerahi 2, Sarah Nichols had another strong performance at goal keep and in mid court Mary Lowe provided good drives and created space on attack. At the shooting end Dana Antunovich and Donna Stratford combined well and got good ball but they were not always able to convert this to goals.

Semco Group Onerahi 1 had a comfortable 50-37 win over WGHS 1 although at halftime there were only two goals in it showing that the high school team can compete when they want. For Onerahi 1 they were able to try some different combinations and the standout player was Althena Birch who played both goal attack and wing attack. Birch played some smart netball.

WGHS 1 had a slow start but by halftime they were working well together as a team. Manaaki Peri and Jess Hita at goal shoot and goal attack combined well in the shooting circle and were fed good ball by Sharell Toka at wing attack and Jacinta Matson at centre.

The defensive pair of Lucy Shand Pia and Shannon George were made to work hard by the Onerahi 1 shooters and their youth and inexperience showed against the older "heads".

The WGHS 1 team had a particularly strong second quarter which they won and they also won the final quarter by a goal. This game was a great improvement for the young team.