Netball: Onerahi pull away in final quarter

Potter Electrical Onerahi put their foot down just in time in their Educare North premier netball clash against Manawanui Red on Friday, with the match in the balance until the final quarter.

In what was Manawanui's strongest showing to date, there were only two goals in it at the first quarter mark and only three at the half.

The tussle continued into the third quarter, which was drawn, before Onerahi came into their own in the final quarter and pulled ahead to win 51-40.

For Onerahi, goal keep Marcie Cooke gave a solid performance while defensive partner Shaina Tane produced an outstanding work rate with some good tips and turnover ball.

For Manawanui Red, the defence combination of Melanie Leef and Hayley Thompson did well to shut down the tall Onerahi shooters. Youngster Aiyana Matatia, at wing defence, applied lots of pressure.

The combination and experience of Gail Shepherd and Ringi Hohepa in the shooting circle worked well and made it difficult for the Onerahi defence.

Treewise Marist can be happy with their 49-25 win over Active Refrigeration Fideliter 2, but the younger Fideliter side are improving week by week.

For Marist, Helen Francis and Kelly Middleton in defence got plenty of intercepts and rebounds and worked tirelessly. Shannon French in the mid court brought the ball through the court nicely.

For Fideliter 2, player coach Trina Henare provided maturity, advice, direction and control on court and she led by example with some novel tactics and manoeuvres at times. The defence did well to keep the experienced Marist shooters in check and to a lower score.

Despite improving over recent weeks, Whangarei Girls' High School were given an old fashioned hiding from Northland Coastal Development Whangaruru, losing 72-24.

With WGHS missing a number of regular players, their coach was forced to make many changes. The young defensive unit struggled to contain the tall Whangaruru shooters while in the mid court WGHS struggled to get the ball through the high zone.

For WGHS, both Shannon George in defence and Olivia Lobb in attack worked hard and never gave up.

Whangaruru, having learned their lesson at grading not to underestimate this team, started strong, wanting to stamp their dominance, Shawni Paniona at centre and wing attack provided strong plays on attack and good support on defence. Whangaruru's defensive unit was able to restrict the WGHS's scoring rate in the final quarter to just three goals.

Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 had a good win over Takahiwai by 61-30 after initially looking to be a close match. For Fideliter 1, Alisha Takimoana at goal keep led the team as captain and played a good defensive game, combining well with Trina Harris Ruke at goal defence.

For Takahiwai, Kaylah Chapman in defence had another strong game while Jade Wihongi at centre and wing attack had a strong performance.

Educare North Premier results:

• 
  Northland Coastal Development Whangaruru Combined 72, WGHS 1, 24.
• 
  Active Refrigeration Fideliter 1 61, Takahiwai 1 30.
• 
  Potter Electrical Onerahi 1 51, Manawanui Red 40.
• 
  Treewise Marist 49, Active Refrigeration Fideliter 2 25.