Netball: Diamonds must raise bar

Diamonds 52 Flyers 39

For one scary moment, Anna Rowberry must have thought the worst. Catching a ball in the first quarter of last night's romp against the Flyers, Rowberry's bandage-encased knee appeared to give way slightly, prompting a chorus of hushed groans. It needed nothing more than a bit of flexing to come right, however.

Normally a slightly tweaked knee would rate nothing more than a passing mention but that was the extent of the drama last night.

The Diamonds moved to second place on the table while barely moving their collective heart-rate above resting.

Coach Sue Hawkins even used the opportunity to give her bench a decent run following halftime. Goal attack Maria Tulaia, in particular, took the opportunity to impress.

It was a convincing win but Hawkins and her senior brains trust will know big improvements are needed if they're to move from National Bank Cup hopefuls to genuine contenders over the next couple of weeks.

The victory moves them to 13 points and cements their position in the top four.

The Diamonds knew they were going to win and played accordingly. The Flyers provided good nuisance value but they've already played their grand final - a win over the Shakers that should ensure they don't walk away with the wooden spoon.

Trailing 11-10 in the first quarter, the Diamonds were perhaps guilty of thinking it was going to come a bit too easy. There was a lack of cohesion between feeders and shooters that resulted in more turnovers in a quarter than champion teams would like to see in a half.

But it didn't take long to escape the rut. By quarter time they led by four and at the half they were 28-19 up and cruising. The gap increased by two with a quarter to go.

For the out-matched Flyers, Liana Barrett-Chase was their best by some distance, while teenage shooting talent Jessica Tuki struggled against the combative Kathryn Harby-Williams.

Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic confirmed their status as title favourites with a 54-37 win over Canterbury Flames in the top-of-the-table clash in Hamilton yesterday.

Fresh from a 56-42 hiding of the defending champions Southern Sting in Invercargill a week ago, Magic recorded their fifth victory from six matches to consolidate their position at the top.

They dominated from the start, leading 17-11 at quarter time, 28-19 at halftime and a comfortable 43-28 after three quarters.