Netball: Diamonds keep semi bid alive

By JULIE ASH

The Auckland Diamonds kept their national league top-four hopes alive last night with a comfortable home win, 63-33, over the Western Flyers.

As expected, the bottom-of-the-table Flyers were no match for the Diamonds, who dominated from the first whistle.

Diamonds coach Joan Hodson opted to rest regular defenders Katie Fay and Leigh Price in favour of Channelle Lundon and Loren Eagle, both of whom caused havoc for the Flyers attack.

A series of misdirected passes from the Flyers into their shooters handed the Diamonds even more possession, from which they made good use.

Up 14-9 in the first quarter, the Auckland side continued their rampage in the second.

Diamonds captain Anna Rowberry, playing at wing attack, flew through the midcourt, often leaving the Flyers defence in her dust.

Diamonds wing defence Victoria Edward also had a strong game, pouncing on the ball at every opportunity.

With a 33-17 lead at halftime, Hodson opted for several changes.

Krystal Feterika-Opetaia moved from centre to wing defence, Edward went to centre, Brigette Tapene came on as goal attack and Anna Senio moved back to goal-shoot.

The changes proved fruitful as the Diamonds extended their lead to 46-23 in the third quarter.

Rowberry was relegated to the bench for the last quarter, where she watched her team take the match by 30 goals.

For the second week running, Diamonds shooter Anna Senio had an impressive match, netting 37 shots from 42 attempts.

Hodson praised the performances of Senio and Edward.

"Victoria has to be one of the most consistent performers in the National Bank Cup. I am really rapt with her," she said.

"Anna Senio has also played really well. She brings a real calmness into the circle."

The Diamonds' last match is against the Canterbury Flames, who lost to the Otago Rebels 46-40 last night.

To make the top four the Diamonds have to beat the Flames and then hope the Magic beat the Rebels.

In the final matches of the eighth round, North Harbour's Force line up against the Counties-Manukau Cometz in Papatoetoe tonight at 6, while tomorrow the Southern Sting face Wellington's Capital Shakers in Invercargill. The Sting have the bye in the final round next weekend.