NETBALL: Rankings jostled in outing

The first week of Whangarei Netball's finals format saw some changes in the rankings, but plenty can happen in the two weeks left to play.
In the rematch from last week between Semenoff Transport Fideliter 1 and Semco Group Onerahi 1, Fideliter 1 won 54-47 and therefore ranked first, meaning they will have a bye next week. The game started close with the score drawn at the first quarter, but Fideliter 1 won the next two quarters and drew the last.
Fideliter 1 goal attack Trina Henare's workload was high on attack and she also directed and lifted the team. It was a whole team effort on defence.
Goal shoot Nicky Taylor shot 51 goals from 55 attempts. For Onerahi 1, Davina Cooper was tight on defence at goal defence and goal keep and Jayne Southee at centre worked hard on attack.
WGHS 1, with a 46-42 win over The Dive Inn Whangaruru, will play Onerahi 1 to determine who will play Fideliter 1 in the final.
The WGHS team won the first two quarters, lost the third and drew the fourth. WGHS's Jaimee Lee Tito at goal defence hunted the ball all night and got turnover ball after turnover ball. Shannon French at centre had her usual strong game binding both ends of the court together. Shawnee Paniona at goal attack played an outstanding game.
Whangaruru's Sophie Tua at goal attack led her players strongly, Harriet Hardy at wing attack used her height to her advantage.
The Whangaruru defence played well but it was hard to get any rebounds given the accuracy of WGHS shooters.
Old Boys 1 are coming to the fore late in the competition with a comprehensive 56-34 win over Electrotrade Manawanui, who were missing both their specialist shooters. The Old Boys had it all their way except the final quarter. Old Boys' goal defence Jude Barber got clean intercepts throughout the court and Jonette Chapman at wing attack showed her experience with some good decisions on attack and she was ably backed up by the aerial Eden Cherrington at centre. Player for the Old Boys was Rowena Davis Cooper at goal attack, who played outstandingly and who shot well.
Manawanui's Moana Matautia stepped up from the social team to play goal shoot and shot well, but more importantly directed and controlled the attacking end. At the other end of the court, goal defence Melanie Leef had another consistent game.
Takahiwai 1 beat Semco Group Onerahi 2 by 52-47, meaning eighth placed Onerahi 2 have a bye next week. The game was close throughout with the second and fourth quarters a draw.
Takahiwai's Hannah Edge at wing defence backed up Belinda Dawson at goal defence superbly and she also attacked well bringing the ball through court. Centre Amie Pooley and Francida Doak at wing attack delivered some good ball to the shooters. Ramari Pirihi, back from injury, combined well with Koea Kaka in the shooting circle. Onerahi 2's defensive team of Andrea Cameron at goal keep and Kim Leemeyer initially and later Catherine Allingham at goal defence worked hard and got a number of tips and rebounds for their efforts. Caitlin McLean at centre had another strong game working like an energiser battery. Kylie Wright at goal shoot had another strong game positioning well and shooting consistently.