Netball: Takahiwai hold on to no 1 ranking

Takahiwai 1 retained their number one Premier Reserve ranking after a close fought 37-34 tussle with Marist.

Marist led at halftime by six before a strong Takahiwai 1 third quarter saw them ahead by four. Even though Marist won the final quarter, it wasn't enough.

Takahiwai 1 made wholesale changes at halftime involving Ramiri Pirihi (wing attack), Shona Dangen (goal attack) and Jess Cole (goal shoot).

The defensive effort of Ann-Marie Lambly (wing defence), Hannah Edge (goal defence) and Francida Doak (goal keep) ensured the comeback. Marist's Lucinda McBeth and Germaine Gibson were strong on defence.

Heading into three weeks of finals netball, the premier reserve ranking is: 1) Takahiwai 1, 2) Wahine Toa 1, 3) Marist, 4) Manawanui Collegiate Red, 5) Fideliter 3 and 6) Manawanui Social.

Meanwhile, the interclub clash between the younger Manawanui Collegiate Red team and the Manawanui Social team saw the youngsters emerge victorious.

The sides were equal at the first and third quarters with the final quarter won by the Collegiate team, to take the win 36-32.

Manawanui Collegiate Red's Dallas Organ and Kanewa Harrison disrupted the feeders and Annastassia Larkin (centre) drove through the court and was consistent. Ngaire Ani Mehana fed the circle well when she moved to wing attack and showed patience with bringing the ball through court. Paige Neho and Lil Reihana in the shooting circle moved well and provided accurate shooting. For Manawanui Social, Louise McGrath and Julie Williams in defence combined well and got some good turnover ball.

In the final game Wahine Toa 1 were too strong for Fideliter 3, winning 58-28. Both teams worked hard despite the wet weather For Wahine Toa 1, Luana Beazley Tango (goal keep) combined well with Renee Himiona (goal defence) and Rita Himiona (wing defence).