Marist Magic too strong for Kahukura Red

Marist Magic have produced a clinical performance to beat Kahukura Red 52-23 and stay at the top of the table.

Marist looked hot from the get-go, showing impressive movement and vision to race out to an early 10-2 lead. At the end of the first quarter they led 16-5.

Going up against the Marist defence is like trying to have a fist fight with a swarm of bees, they are everywhere and if you take your eye off them you will get stung.

At the other end of the court, goal attack Ngawaea Taia was full of energy, providing the crucial link between defence and attack, while goal shoot Allana Raureti was at her sharp shooting best.

The Kahukura defence improved in the second quarter, but struggles in the shooting circle meant they were unable to turn that improvement into more points. They trailed 26-9 at halftime.

Kahukura knew there was plenty of time left in the game and they won the third quarter 10-8 to reduce the deficit to 34-19.

Kahukura Red goal defence Amanda Taia looks to make a pass against Marist Magic. Photo/Ben Fraser

Marist turned on the after burners in the fourth quarter to shoot out to a 52-23 win.

Meanwhile, in the other Premier 1 games, Rotorua Girls' High School hammered Waikite Panthers 91-20 and Murupara Stingers beat Mitchell Downs 57-42.

Rotorua Netball Results
Senior Championship
Premier 1
Marist Magic 52 Kahukura Red 23; RGHS Prem 1 91 Waikite Panthers 20; Murupara Stingers 57 Mitchell Downs 42.

Premier 2
Pikiao Warriors 46 Whaka Black 46; Tuhoe 46 Marist Rebels 42; Eastside Gurls 1 50 Ngongotaha Gold 29.

Marist Magic centre Tui Tango in action against Kahukura Red. Photo/Ben Fraser

Senior A
Rotoiti Gold 56 Manawatahi Taiohi 40; Kahukura White 41 Reporoa Rangers 37; Waikite Flamez 49 Pikiao Raiders 48.

A Grade
Marist Inferno 72 Ngati Kea Ngati Tuara 36; Manawatahi Black 43 Kahukura Blue 29; Waikite Social DWn Ngongotahā Hapori DLs.

Senior B
Vegas Lady Bugs 54 KTTTOF GIRLS 44; Mana 40 Eastside Gurls 2 31; Hinemoa Point 33 The Chix 29; Vegas Lady Bugs 36 Marist Souls 19.

Secondary School
Collegiate A
RLHS Jun A 31 Rotoiti Juniors Y9&10 17; WHHS Jnr A 46 Kahukura Jun Red 16; JPC Coll Y10 Black 31 RIN Taonga 14.

Collegiate B
RGHS Jnr A 24 RLHS Jnr Gold 16; JPC Coll Y9 Maroon 22 Tawhiuau Tirotiro Y9&10 17; WHHS Jun Dev 32 JPC Coll Y9 Yellow 12.

Collegiate C
Rep Coll Y9&10 35 WHHS Y9&10 Gold 8; RGHS Jnr Blue 28 RGHS Jnr Maroons 20; Kahukura Jnr White 23 WHHS Y9 Blue 18.

Collegiate D
WHHS Y9&10 Violet 34 JPC Coll Y10 Blue 17; RLHS Jnr Blue 28 JPC Coll Y9 Orange 12.

Open Sec A
JPC Coll Sen A 31 Ngongotaha Pirahnaz 21; JPC Coll Y10 White 37 v WHHS Sen A 22; RGHS Jnr Prems 38 RLHS Sen A 30.

Open Sec B
Nga Wharekura o Rotorua Y11-13 35 WHHS Sen Dev 23; RGHS Prem 2 15 JPC Coll Sen Devel 14; Rep Coll Sen A 39 Kahukura Snr Blue 7.

Open Sec C
Huiarau Tukana Y11-13 DWn WHHS Sen Blue DLs; RLHS Sen Devel 29 WHHS Sen B 8; Huiarau Tukana Y11-13 36 v WHHS Sen B 36; RLHS Sen Devel DWn v WHHS Sen Blue DLs.