In Whangarei Netball's premier reserve games there were some surprises with Wahine Toa Combined beating Global Diamonds Fideliter 2, 47-30, and Marist Social beating recently demoted Pizza Barn BBC Waipu, 37-19.
Wahine Toa Combined defender Renee Himiona was outstanding, getting both intercepts and rebounds and Te Aroha Palmer in centre had
a great attacking game. The new shooting combination of Kiri Williams and Angelina Hamm drove, attacked and shot well. Fideliter 2 were missing some crucial players and struggled on attack in both getting the ball into the circle and then successfully shooting. Katrina Simpson on defence though did some great work and never stopped trying hard to get the ball.
A good team effort by Fideliter 3 saw them close to Wahine Toa 1 at half time with the score being 23-19 to Wahine Toa 1. Fideliter 3's Louise Morgan and Deb Parsons in mid court combined well to feed the shooters and Erin Gunson and Andi Roberts in defence had their work cut out for them against the shooting Wahine Toa combination. Wahine Toa 1 wing defence Rita Himiona played a great game with some good, clean intercepts. Wahine Toa 1 won 45-28.
Marist Social's Germaine Gibson on defence was tenacious and she got some great rebounds. Pip Dickson in mid court was effective on attack and on defence shut down her wing attack with confidence and Lisa Hudson shot accurately. For Pizza Barn BBC Waipu, Marama Morunga was the bright spot in an overall pretty ordinary performance. Wing attack Tivaan Doak Smith did show some drive and maturity as did Moengaroa Kilahi at goal keep.
