Netball: Marist 2 pressed by younger rivals

Craig's Firestone Marist 2 and Manawanui Collegiate Red produced the closest match of the premier reserve netball competition, with Marist coming out on top 46-39.

While Marist 2 were strong, and won the first two quarters, the young Collegiate team showed how competitive they can be by winning the final two quarters.

For Marist 2, Rebecca Simper at goal shoot and Tegan Musgrove at goal attack played well. The Marist defence through the court was also strong.

For Manawanui Collegiate Red, Kanewa Harrison and Tiana Harris Otene in defence worked well to distract and disrupt the Marist shooters and feeders. In mid-court Ngaire Ani Mehana at wing attack and centre put in a solid effort and she showed dedication on attack and on defence. She was ably assisted by Paige Neho at wing defence who contested a lot of ball.

In other action, Takahiwai 1 continued their winning run after having recently been relegated from Premiers, producing a good win over Active Refrigeration Fideliter 3 by 64-39.

Takahiwai dominated, leading from start to finish, as Fideliter 3 started slowly.

For Takahiwai 1, shooters Ramari Pirihi and Jess Cole for three-quarters of the game shot accurately and moved the ball well in the circle. Defence players Ann Marie Lambly and Hannah Edge also turned over plenty of ball to feed their shooters.

For Fideliter 3, Kelly Bowen at goal shoot and Louise Morgan at goal attack moved in the circle well and shot accurately. There was some good feeding by the mid-courters when they looked down the court and let the ball go. Sue Culham at centre also snapped up several tidy intercepts.

In the final game of the weekend, Hot Printz Wahine Toa had a good win over Manawanui Social by 51-31 as they, too, led the whole game.

For Wahine Toa 1, Renee Himiona and Luana Beazley Taho in defence proved a good combination and worked tirelessly. Gladys Himiona, Janita Andrews and Maria Dick all interchanged between mid-court and shooting positions and they put on good speed at times and showed skill and tactics. The standout player was Rita Himiona who played defence and then moved to centre. She was strong on attack and also got some good tips, intercepts and turnover ball on defence.

For Manawanui Social, their defence found it hard against the low and short tactical play of the Wahine Toa shooters. However, Louise McGrath, Ravena Otene and Anya Garland persevered and were rewarded with some turnover ball.

Premier Reserve Results, July 13

• 
  Takahiwai 1 v Active Refrigeration Fideliter 3, 64-39.
• 
  Craig's Firestone Marist 2 v Manawanui Collegiate Red, 46-39.
• 
  Hot Printz Wahine Toa 1 v Manawanui Social, 51-31