Netball: Whangaruru take lead before finals

Whangaruru will head into three weeks of finals netball as the top ranked side in the North Premier division.

After the last round, the rankings are: 1 Whangaruru, 2 Fideliter 1, 3 Manawanui White, 4 Marist, 5 Onerahi 1, 6 Manawanui Red, 7 Fideliter 2 and 8 WGHS 1.

On Friday night, the closest game was Marist v Onerahi 1, which determined fourth and fifth on the ladder.

Marist started strongly and were up by five goals at the first quarter but by halftime Onerahi 1 had levelled. After a tied third quarter, Onerahi 1 took the final quarter to win 48-44. However, Marist's bonus point for being within five points led to a goal countback to determine fourth place, and despite the loss Marist had done enough to earn fourth spot.

In the game to determine first and second, Whangaruru started well against Fideliter 1, winning the first quarter by nine. The remaining quarters were close with Fideliter 1 winning the second quarter by a goal, the third quarter was drawn and the final quarter Whangaruru won by a goal to take the match 45-36.

For Whangaruru, Reanon Hetaraka Sadler (goal defence) worked hard and the team capitalised on early turnover ball.

Jaimee Lee Tito (centre) and Shawni Paniona (wing attack) combined well.

For Fideliter 1, Rowie Davis Cooper (goal defence) and Alisha Takimoana (goal keep) battled strongly for turnover ball. Manawanui White's big 72-34 win over WGHS 1 cemented their third ranking.

WGHS 1 drew the final quarter but it was all a little too late with Manawanui White reaching double figures in the first three quarters. For Manawanui White, Jaelyn Walker (goal shoot) was a standout and Sam Davis Cooper was ever present in the mid court at wing attack and wing defence. In the final game, Fideliter 2 were competitive in the first two quarters, and ahead by four at halftime before going down 37-49 to Manawanui Red.

For Manawanui Red, the defensive unit of Hayley Thompson (goal keep), Mellinee Leef (goal defence) and Shaiyar Larkins (wing defence) were busy and forced several errors. Marion Evans (centre) also assisted with the defensive effort.