Netball: Marist Magic make statement against Pikiao in premier competition

Marist Magic goal defence Shante Puketapu, right, attempts to block a shot from Pikiao Warriors goal shoot Ngaro Slade. Photo / Stephen Parker

Marist Magic could be a team to watch in this year's premier netball competition, after they defeated Pikiao Warriors 63-40 in the Rotorua Netball Senior Banner Round.

The two sides went point for point in the opening exchanges before the Marist defensive pairing of Shante Puketapu and Coralie Muldrock began to assert their dominance, making stops at their own end to help their side take a 10-5 lead midway through the first quarter.

Pikiao hung in there and only trailed 16-14 going into the second quarter.

Marist looked increasingly confident as the game went on, particularly on defence where they made sure Pikiao had no easy passes. At halftime they had extended their lead to 35-24.

With a comfortable lead, Marist did not need to try anything spectacular, they simply did enough to maintain their advantage, leading 44-34 with one quarter to play.

Pikiao goal shoot Ngaro Slade, who played the full match with a smile on her face, used all of her experience and shooting prowess in an attempt to drag her side back into the match, but in the end the wheels fell off a little for Pikiao in the fourth quarter as Marist cruised to a 24-point win.

Marist coach James Gillette said the game as "scrappy and messy", but it was always good to get a win on the board.

"We missed training this week, so we won't be doing that again. We just strive to get better and better and peak towards the end of the season," Gillette said.

His standout player was the experienced goal keep Muldrock, who led from the back.

Pikiao coach Te Oriwa Ahuriri said Marist were "a really good team".

"The standout for us was our goal defence Danielle Wharerau. She was just everywhere. She was great at reading the plays and cutting out passes," Ahuriri said.

Rotorua netball results for Saturday, April 21

Senior Banner:

Premier 1 - Marist Magic 63 v Pikiao Warriors 40; RGHS Prem 1 43 v Kahukura Red 29; Murupara Stingers 44 v Mitchell Downs 43.

Premier 2 - Waikite Panthers 60 v Ngongotaha Gold 35; Marist Rebels 49 v Whaka Black 35; Eastside Gurls 1 36 v Rotoiti Gold 33.

Senior A - Tuhoe 31 v Kahukura Blue 13; Reporoa Rangers 40 v Manawatahi Taiohi 38; Waikite Flamez 51 v Marist Inferno 41.

A Grade - Ngongotaha Hapori 32 v The Chix 25; Pikiao Raiders 47 v Waikite Social 20; Kahukura White 52 v Ngati Kea Ngati Tuara 14.

Senior B - KTTTOF Girls 39 v Hinemoa Point 23; Eastside Gurls 2 33 v Marist Souls 27; Manawatahi Black 50 v Mana 28; Vegas Lady Bugs 49 v Hinemoa Point 23; Eastside Gurls 2 37 v Mana 26; Manawatahi Black 42 v Marist Souls 29.