Murupara Stingers have claimed their first ever Premier 1 title in style, while Rotorua Girls' High School produced a final round win over Marist Magic to finish second-equal.
Two competition points ahead of Marist, Murupara went into the last week of the round robin competition knowing a win over Waikite Panthers was all they needed to claim first place outright. They did that in style, cruising to a 65-37 win.
Murupara captain Lee Tapsell said she was "really proud" of what the team had achieved.
"It's been a long time coming, I'm just proud, I don't even know what to say. I'm proud of every individual player, they all played their part this year and next year we're coming back for more.
"We've never won Premier 1, we've always been runner-up. We had a good bond this year, commitment and positive attitudes - we picked each other up. We're looking forward to defending it next year.
"Today was an awesome game, a good game from everybody."
The match of the round was between second-placed Marist and third-placed Rotorua Girls'. Trailing Marist by two points on the ladder, Rotorua Girls' needed to win to finish second equal and they did just that with a comprehensive 62-47 victory.
The high school team have steadily improved throughout the season and they saved their best for last, wearing down a quality Marist side with energy and enthusiasm.
Rotorua Girls' High School's Baylee Earle (right) intercepts a pass meant for Marist Magic's Tui Tango. Photo/Stephen Parker
The first quarter started evenly as the two sides went goal for goal. However, once Rotorua Girls' found their feet they started to pull away.
Centre Tayla Stone was in fine form, splitting the defence with several long range passes, while shooters Natalia Healey-Ford and Taryn Stone were draining shots from all over the circle. Rotorua Girls' led 17-11 at the end of the quarter.
They kept up the pressure in the second quarter, racing to a 35-23 lead at halftime.
Marist came out strong in the third quarter as centre Tui Tango added some impetus in the middle of the court and goal attack Brie Kinita nailed some impressive shots. However, Rotorua Girls' were able to absorb the pressure and stay in front, leading 46-36 at the end of third quarter.
Marist fought admirably throughout, but in the fourth quarter their legs began to tire as Rotorua Girls' cruised home to a 62-47 win.
Rotorua Girls' coach Carol Holt said she was pleased with how the team had improved throughout the season, especially with the New Zealand Secondary Schools Netball Championships coming up in a month's time.
Rotorua Girls' High School goal defence Te Awa Forrest leaps for the ball during her sides final round win over Marist Magic. Photo/Stephen Parker
"I'm really pleased with the girls and the way the ball is moving, the way they're sticking to the game plans and the individual work. Some of the individuals are really nailing the positions all through the court.
"I must admit these ladies are hard to play against, but the girls just got on top of them today."
She said the steady improvement the team had shown was typical of high school athletes.
"I think young girls at school, they have their ups and downs, but I believe in the last round we've done nothing but build. We go away to nationals in a few weeks and I'm happy with where we're sitting, we won't peak too early and we certainly wont be coming down.
"I'm happy [with second place]. We're school girls playing against adults who have been in the game for awhile, I'm really pleased. We're the only school sitting at this level and that makes us proud as a school," Holt said.
In the other Premier 1 match, Kahukura Red won a hard-fought encounter with Mitchell Downs 44-41 to claim fourth place on the table.
Banner Winners Collegiate A: RLHS Jun A Collegiate B: RIN Taonga Collegiate C: Tawhiuau Tirotiro Collegiate D: RGHS Jnr Blue Open Secondary A: JPC Snr A Open Secondary B: WHHS Snr A, Nga Wharekura o Rotorua, RGHS Prem 2 Open Secondary C: Kahukura Snr Blue
Championship Winners Collegiate A Winner: JPC Y10 Black, WHHS Jnr A, RLHS Jnr A Runner-up: Kahukura Jun Red Collegiate B Winner: RGHS Jnr A, Runner-up: JPC Y9 Maroon Collegiate C Winner: Reporoa Y9&10, Runner-up: RGHS Jun Blue Collegiate D Winner: RLHS Jun Blue Open Secondary A Winner: JPC Sen A, Runner-up: JPC Y10 White Open Secondary B Winner: Ngā Wharekura o Rotorua, RGHS Prem 2, Runner-up: WHHS Sen Devel Open Secondary C Winner: Huiarau Tukana, Runner-up: RLHS Sen Dev, WHHS Sen Blue
Intermediate A Grade Section 1 Winner: Kaitao Mc Kay, Runner-up: MAS Karangaranga A Grade Section 2 Winner: Rot Int Mana, Runner-up: Reporoa Y7&8 A B Grade Section 1 Winner: Whakarewarewa, Runner-up: Rotorua Primary Gold B Grade Section 2 Winner: Whangamarino Ferns, Runner-up: Mokoia Limitless C Grade Winner: Lake Rere Hot Shots, Runner-up: Kaitao James
Primary A Grade Section 1 Winner: Te Koutu Kahurangi, Runner-up: West brook Spectrum/Glenholme Diamonds A Grade Section 2 Winner: Kawaha Point Maia, Runner-up: St Mary's Magdalenes B Grade Section 1 Winner: Kaharoa Kererus, Runner-up: Reporoa/Lynmore Mystics B Grade Section 2 Winner: Huiarau Tahi, Runner-up: Horohoro All Stars/Westbrook Sapphires/Selwyn Silver
