NETBALL - First final for Fideliter

An emphatic Fideliter won their way to their first-ever grand final in a tight 47-44 victory over Takahiwai in Whangarei Premier Netball on Saturday.
It was anyone's match throughout with Takahiwai taking first blood and holding on to a two-point advantage at the first quarter break. In the second quarter neither side let up in a torrid battle for position and possession with players really putting their bodies on the line.
Fideliter's Renee Mason and Ursula Albrecht fed their shooters beautifully with well-timed passes and strong positional play but they were made to work hard by the tenacious Takahiwai defenders. Takahiwai's Morgan Taurua gave a performance which belied her youth and stood up well to the pressure.
It was in the third quarter that Fideliter really stepped up a gear with another huge game from Loren Eagle in goal defence and a power of work off the ball from centre Albrecht and wing defence Lisa Bolt. Fideliter were able to make this count on the scorecard thanks to goal shoot Judy MacDonald, who rewarded their efforts with an outstanding display of accuracy.
But Takahiwai were not about to sit back and let Fideliter have it all their own way and fought right through the fourth quarter with Kerry Woodman and Horiana Campbell working hard on defence and Ramarie Pirihi notching up the points at the other end. But Takahiwai's time ran out and Fideliter booked their place in the grand final.
In the other play-off match Hora Hora won their way into the top four with a victory 57-39 over Marist Combined.
Marist took control early, however, despite being forced into a number of changes due to player unavailability, coming out of the first half ahead.
Hora Hora stepped out of the break with a strong resolve and were quick to take control, goal attack Gail Shepherd doing a power of work through court and into the goal circle and really stepping up and helping lift her side to take the third quarter.
Marist fought on, but found the going tough in trying to break Hora Hora's rhythm. Lapses in concentration cost them dearly and Hora Hora held off the challenge to take the match and an opportunity to play-off for third or fourth.
Next week Marist Combined will play Fideliter in the championship final, Takahiwai face Hora Hora for third and fourth and Marist take on Whangarei Girls' High School in a bid to avoid the wooden spoon.