WGHS 1 strike back

Winners of Whangarei Netball's premier preliminary round Semco Group Onerahi 1 were outplayed and lost their right to challenge for the championship round final this weekend.
It will be WGHS 1 who will now play Semenoff Transport Fideliter 1. WGHS 1 came from an eight goal deficit at halftime during Friday's game to win by a single goal 43-42.
For WGHS 1, it was the changes at halftime which saw a shift in the game, including the return from injury of Alanah Vinson at goal shoot who shot at 85 per cent.
Vinson combined well with Shawnee Paniona at goal attack and Jamiee-Lee Tito at goal defence had an outstanding game.
Along with Jade Telfer, the pair worked hard to apply pressure and get turnovers and rebounds. Truly Harding at wing attack came out for every pass and defended every ball along with Jacinta Matson at centre.
Onerahi 1's Davina Cooper at goal defence had a strong game as did Cherith Shragg at goal keep, both getting tips and turnover ball. Centre Jayne Southee also did some good work.
In the second half undue pressure was placed on Althena Birch at goal shoot when she was forced to put up most of the shots. WGHS 1 won with a penalty shot right on fulltime.
The Dive Inn Whangaruru have essentially secured a top four placing with their 51-42 win over Old Boys 1. This was a great achievement for a team that started in the reserve grade.
Whangaruru's goal keep Liahona Hebden worked hard at defending in the circle and Jackie Henare, wing defence, and Eliza Leuluai, from Whangaruru 2, at wing attack, delivered the ball through the court strongly. Karlene Kingi at goal shoot played a strong holding game. Despite Kingi putting up most of the shots, she was ably assisted by Sophie Tua at goal attack who shot at 81 per cent.
For Old Boys, Judith Barber at goal defence put on another excellent display and Alexis Chapman at centre played well at both ends of the court. Rowena Davis Cooper at goal attack worked tirelessly and shot accurately.
Electrotrade Manawanui had the final win of the evening beating Takahiwai by 48-46. The game was essentially won in the first quarter which Manawanui won by five goals as the next two quarters were drawn and the final quarter won by Takahiwai by three goals.
Manawanui goal shooter Teri-Gay Tito from Manawanui 2 had an excellent game and showed strength and accuracy shooting at 90 per cent. Centre Sian Telfer provided speed on attack and tips on defence and Melanie Leef at goal keep then goal defence also got tips and turnover ball.
Takahiwai captain Francida Doak at wing attack led her team from the front and Amie Pooley was a standout at centre until her injury late in the game. Takahiwai worked hard to try and force a draw but Manawanui kept their lead.