Onerahi 1 outclasses club rivals

Round one of the 2010 Whangarei Netball competition got under way with some high scoring games in the premier grade. Onerahi 1 and Onerahi 2 went head-to-head on Friday night at Kamo High School gymnasium, with the club determined to make their mark in premier grade after a few years' absence.
Onerahi 1 dominated the first half, with Loren Eagle, Davina Cooper and Emma Kirner combining well on defence, making it difficult for Onerahi 2's shooters. Rebecca Wilkie and Cherith Schraag from Onerahi 2 were put to work and did some good work defensively against Althena Birch who shot well.
Although Onerahi 2 took out the third quarter when the whole team slowed the game and brought the ball cleanly through court to the goal, the damage had been done during the first 30 minutes, and Onerahi 1 stormed home to a 56-22 win.
 In Friday's other match at Kamo High, the top-seeded Whangarei Girls High School gained confidence throughout each quarter and eventually control of their match against Fideliter 2.
Girls High's Lauren Bean and Alanah Vinson were excellent on attack and Sian Telfer fed the ball accurately to the goal circle. Fideliter 2's Jess McClintock-Maihi did a good job at their attacking end, while Louise Harvey at centre also patiently brought the ball through court. In the final quarter both teams made substantial changes but this did not affect the overall result with WGHS winning comfortably, 74-38.
 
On Saturday, Takahiwai met with a polished looking Marist Old Girls. Marist Old Girls had some great inter-play between Sophie Tua and Nicky Taylor and some good feeding by Tracey Bradley. Takahiwai produced moments of brilliance but they were unable to sustain them for the full 60 minutes, and Marist Old Girls won 61-38.
In the final premier grade match of round one, Fideliter 1 and Old Boys 1 clashed in a game which heavily involved the umpires as both teams strongly contested the ball throughout the court.  Goal attack Jo Davis Cooper combined with Sue-Anne Davis at centre during the second half and Old Boys continued to dominate with boosted confidence. Meanwhile, Tina Cachmaille-Bayne shot accurately for Fideliter 1, and proved
a good target for feeders.
Both the Fideliter and Old Boys defence worked hard throughout the game but Old Boys were too strong, winning 51-36.