Netball: Big win gives Rotoiti new hope

Rotoiti Stingers' Wing Attack Ngawea Taia impressed for her side in their weekend win. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotoiti Prems coach Shar Smith's attention is now focused on a strong finish to the season after an impressive display in the Senior Championship.

They beat Whaka Redz 49-21 on Saturday in round four of the Premier 1 competition with Rotoiti's strong defence and clinical finishing proving decisive factors.

Rotoiti's goal attack Te Awa Gerrard-Nicholas stood out with lethal shooting in front of the hoop with impressive support play from wing attack Ngawea Taia.

Smith was happy with her team's "relentless" performance and has confidence that the side can win their remaining championship duals.

"The team really clicked together and we had an excellent flowing style of play, particularly through the centre-court," she said. "We broke up a lot of Whaka's play meaning that they couldn't get a clean grip in the game.

"Our defence was also a key to winning. Both our goal attack and goal keeper were very solid for us and didn't give their shooters much opportunity.

"Te Awa was in top form and it helped having a quick release ball from new player Ngawea. You can't defend against that sort of link play."

With the emphatic result Rotoiti secured their second win in Premier 1, after also recording two defeats so far this season.

Rotoiti have a bye in their next game but Smith and her side aim to play with confidence in their final two remaining fixtures.

"We are aiming to be up in the top three teams," said Smith.

"The team have had some mixed results so far but we seem to now be playing with a good style and pattern of play.

"Hopefully we can use this momentum to end the season on a high.

"We are still a developing side, but a strong finish will put us in the best possible position for the rest of the other competitions."

Elsewhere in Premier 1 Pikiao Warriors ran out 40-28 winners over the Western Heights High School Senior A side.

Meanwhile, in the A Grade division Manawatahi Black's beat Central League Gold.

Manawatahi Wing Defence player Lizzy Gaston was pleased with her side's free-flowing display.

"We showed lots of skill out there with quick interplay around the court," she said.

"Also Central had some amazing shooters up top that were difficult to contain at times but our defence didn't give up.

"It was a great result for us and a real team effort."

Results

Senior Championship 2016:

Premier 1:
Rotoiti Prem 49 Whaka Redz 21
Pikiao Warriors 40 v WHHS Snr A 28
RGHS Prem 1 JPC Snr A (no result)
Marist Shakers - Bye

Premier 2:
Rotoiti Stingers 46 Kahukura White 44
Marist Rebels 42 RLHS Senior A 40
Murupara Stingers 58 Tuhoe 26
Waikite Panthers - Bye

Senior A:

MAS Manawa Toa 45 Rotoiti Gold 38
Mystiq 57 Central League Green 32
Kahukura Gold none Reporoa Coll Prems none
Manawatahi Green - Bye