Netball: Manawanui White finish top of table

Manawanui White proved their worth with another dominant win in the premier reserve grade to confirm their right to play in promotion-relegation match next week.

Manawanui White played without mercy in their final game in the preliminary round and Onerahi 2 were unable to combat it as they went down 88-23, with Manawanui White's win meaning they finish top of the table.

Manawanui White got more than 20 goals per quarter, except the third quarter when they only managed 18. In contrast, Onerahi 2 only reached double figures in the second quarter.

For Manawanui White, Sian Telfer and Cherith Schragg in defence hunted the ball relentlessly and got plenty of intercepts and turnover ball. The mid-court combination of Larissa Hona and Kelsey Power worked hard to provide options for the shooters and they too picked up intercepts and loose ball.

There was good all-round play by Rhiannon Reti at goal attack, who ensured a good supply of quality ball into the shooting circle and who shot consistently.

For Wahine Toa 1, Wahine Lomas in defence had her work cut out and she had an excellent game, working tirelessly throughout. Ivy Te Nana at centre worked hard and provided some good feeds into the shooting circle and she was strong on attack. Barbara Te Whare at goal shooter during the game shot well.

Marist 2 played a hard-fought game against Fideliter 3 to also ensure their place in promotion relegation next weekend, winning 43-26.

The game was initially close with only three goals in it at the first quarter but, after that, Marist 2 slowly and surely increased their lead, and with a particularly strong third quarter, the game went beyond reach.

Marist 2 kept to their game plan despite strong pressure from the Fideliter 3 defence. They also applied a lot of pressure on the ball in the mid court and read the game well to pick up tips and intercepts.

For Fideliter 3, they made unforced errors and lacked structure on attack, resulting in the coach making a lot of changes throughout the game. The wet weather did not help with players being more tentative than normal. Defenders Kelly Read, Frances Esveld and Kellie Stevens all provided strong in-circle defence. In the second half, Amanda Gentil played a strong game at centre then wing attack.

In the final game of the weekend, Wahine Toa 1 had a big win over Onerahi 66-29 and, except for a close second quarter, they dominated the other three quarters, going from strength to strength.

For Wahine Toa 1, Renee Himiona and new defender Lui Beazley Taho were outstanding. Clarissa Moir at centre worked tirelessly at both ends of the court. Janita Andrews came on at half time into goal shoot to combine with Maria Dick at goal attack and Gladys Himiona at wing attack. These three provided strength and experience. Rita Himiona at wing defence hunted the ball and was disruptive.

For Onerahi 2, new defender Sammy Wesser was solid on defence and worked hard. And the defence were kept busy by the Wahine Toa attackers. In the shooting circle, Sarah Drinnan at goal shooter was consistent.

Next week sees Wahine Toa 2 and Onerahi 2 as the bottom two teams will play off against Manawanui Collegiate Red and Manawanui Social, who are top of A1 grade.

Premier Reserve results:

Wahine Toa 1 v Onerahi 2, 66-29; Manawanui White v Wahine Toa 2, 88-23; Marist v Fideliter 3, 43-26.

Premier Reserve rankings:

1 Manawanui White; 2 Marist; 3 Wahine Toa 1; 4 Fideliter 3; 5 Wahine Toa 2; 6 Onerahi 2.