Netball: Auckland keen to turn tables

Auckland Waitakere have an opportunity to right the wrongs from last season in today's NPC final in Invercargill, when they take on defending champions Southland in a rematch of the 2008 title decider.

The Southland side, led by player-coach Natalie Avellino, embarrassed Auckland in last year's final, claiming their first national title in 49 years with a convincing 56-45 win.

The two sides booked a final rematch after battling past their respective semifinal opponents in surprisingly similar fashion, with both sides fighting back from halftime deficits.

Auckland Waitakere overcame a spirited Canterbury side 56-50 in the first semifinal, while Southland scraped past Otago by one goal.

Auckland Waitakere skipper Rachel Rasmussen said her side were desperate to make amends for last year's disappointing showing.

"We're extremely determined. I think we did ourselves an injustice last year and we're looking to get out there and play a great final tomorrow."

But for a time in yesterday's semifinal it looked as if Auckland Waitakere would go home empty-handed.

The title favourites struggled to get into the match, only finding their timing and rhythm in the final quarter.

The 56-50 scoreline in the end probably flattered the Aucklanders, with Canterbury dictating the pace of the game for much of the match.

The last time the two sides met back in the preliminary rounds Auckland Waitakere beat Canterbury by 28 goals.

But the return of ousted Silver Fern Maree Bowden and a more settled shooting pairing of Ellen Halpenny and Shelley Norris made all the difference for Canterbury yesterday.

Former Silver Fern Anna Scarlett's defensive brilliance aided Auckland.

Canterbury will now face Otago in the 3rd/4th play-off, while Netball North face a battle to stay in the top flight, taking on Wellington in today's promotion-relegation match.