NETBALL - Manawanui team net a hard victory

Manawanui scored a hard fought victory over Whangarei Old Boys on Saturday.
They took out the match 28-26 in Whangarei premier netball's game of the day.
Manawanui got to the better start of the two, but both sides were trading blows throughout.
Both sides play an aerial and exciting brand of netball, but both seemed a little cautious, often playing it too safe.
Manawanui coach Ravena Otene was pleased with the victory and the fact they stood strong as a team.
Although her side were guilty of some basic errors at times, they worked hard to make amends.
Old Boys were forced into a number of changes due to player unavailability but it didn't upset their rhythm, with Sue-Anne David and Greta Urlich impressing in defence and fill-in Jonette Chapman bringing her ample experience to court.
The second half was a flurry of exchanges with Old Boys holding a two point advantage with two minutes remaining in the match, but Manawanui held their nerve and banded together to score a quick four points to take victory.
The two Marist sides, Marist 1 and Old Girls, clashed in a mass of torrid early exchanges, but Old Girls took club honours in the end 26-14.
Old Girls had a good start to the match, clearly wanting to get an advantage early in the match, but Marist 1 were not intent on letting them have it all their own way.
Player and coach Davina Cooper led by example in goal defence, taking some timely possession and marshalling her side well defensively, just chipping away at the Old Girls' rhythm.
Marist 1 started to gain some ground in the second quarter.
Some good through-court team defence began to halt the flow the Old Girls have enjoyed in their previous matches.
At half-time Old Girls led by just 1 point.
This prompted some changes from Old Girls, which ultimately paid dividends in the third quarter.
Marist seemed a little out of sorts.
This would ultimately cost them in the final quarter, where they were unable to make up the deficit.
Fideliter 1 got their season back on track with a good win over Whangarei Girls High School 28-18.
WGHS got the better start of the two in the wet, racing out with 3 early goals before Fideliter got into their work.
The first quarter was all about defence for both sides with Emma Smith in centre and Aleisha Leefe in wing defence making a difference for the school girls.
WGHS had pockets of good play but seemed a little flat in the rain and Fideliter didn't hand them any freedom in attack.
Fideliter goal keeper Andrea Cameron combined with Liahona Hebden in goal defence to great affect.
Both combined well, forcing longer shots and restricting the attacking options for WGHS.
Fideliter seemed to grown in confidence throughout the match, with ample bonus possession thanks to defensive pressure never allowed WGHS to get their tails up.
Whangarei netball takes a break for the Queen Birthday weekend.
Preliminary round matches resume on June 7.