Netball: Wahine Toa provide major upset

Fifth-ranked Wahine Toa 3 tipped over top-ranked Takahiwai 1 in premier reserve grade netball at the weekend.

In the first half, Takahiwai 1 led by 2 goals. But Wahine Toa 3 dominated in the third quarter, and despite a close final-quarter took away their second win 45-39.

The victory also keeps them in strong contention for promotion/relegation in another few weeks.

In the all Marist game, fourth-ranked Marist Old Girls easily won over sixth ranked Craigs Firestone Marist 66 -25.

For Marist Old Girls, defenders Kelly Middleton and Helen Francis's tight defence made it hard for the Marist 1 shooters.

Jamie Wilkie at wing attack and Shannon French at centre moved the ball cleanly through court and fed the shooters well. Nicky Taylor and Rose Baker combined well in the shooting circle and their high shooting percentage contributed to the high score. For Marist 1 Francis Coutts at goal keep played an excellent game and Karen Compton at wing defence was strong.

The shooting combination of Jamiee Dunn and Germaine Gibson worked well but found it difficult against the tall and experienced defenders. Marist Old Girls look top contenders for promotion into premier.

In the all Fideliter game, second-ranked Educare North Fideliter 2 beat third ranked Educare North Fideliter 3 54-30. For Fideliter 2, Andi Roberts at goal defence worked tirelessly in the circle. Amanda Gentil at centre and Renee Lowther at wing attack worked the ball though the court with effect into the goal circle.

All shooters including Nane Maru, Avala Speedy and Tina Cachemaille upped their shooting performance this week, slotting some great shots.

For Fideliter 3 Anna Pascoe, Kelly Stevens and Dawn Thomson combined well and did their best to counter the Fideliter 2 attack, and they did manage some good turnover ball and rebounds.

Takahiwai 1 had a good team game playing as a unit however the player of note was Kaylah Chapman, who played both ends of the court, at goal shoot and goal keep.