UC Netball remains the only unbeaten team in Premier 1 competition after the top of the table rivals played each other in Tuesday night's late game at Bishopdale.

A tight clash was expected between the two sides, and after Saints lead 12-11 at quarter time, this looked to be on the cards. But a 16-9 second quarter by UC put them six ahead at the main break. Saints closed to within five by the three quarter time whistle, but the final quarter was all UC, who outscored Saints 2 to 1 in a dominant final quarter to take the game by 13, 57-44. Tactix rising star Vika Koloto made an impact coming from the bench in the second and fourth quarters for UC.

In the game of the round it was Kia Toa who took the points against Technical 54-49. Technical lead at every change, however the 7 goal lead at half time was cut to three by three quarter time, giving Kia Toa confidence heading into the final term. Kia Toa's ability to convert set them apart from Technical in the final quarter. While Chelsea Corbett and Tessa Boagni missed only one goal apiece, Technical converted just over half of their opportunities and allowed Kia Toa to outscore them 2 goals to 1 for the quarter for a five goal win. Corbett was outstanding for Kia Toa from Goal Shooter and then Goal Attack in combination with Boagni.

Lincoln got the jump on St Nicholas in the early game at Bishopdale and lead by seven in a low scoring game to quarter time (10-3). St Nicholas recovered in the second to match it with last year's Premier 1 winners, but were unable to take that form into the third quarter as Lincoln continued to extend their lead. The final quarter was all Lincoln who scored 18 goals to St Nicholas' 6 to take the game by 26, 53-27. Emma Hargreaves had immediate impact from the bench from the second quarter onwards for Lincoln to score 38 of Lincoln's total.

In the battle of the club sides, Kereru A came away with the win over Kereru B 67-48. Reminiscent of previous clashes between the teams, it was a close first quarter 16-11. The A side pulled away in the second quarter to lead by 15 at half time, but the B side were not out of the contest. They rallied in the third taking it by two, before Liv Clark slotted 16 of Kereru's 18 final quarter goals to secure the A side the 19 goal win.

Premier 2 competition posted some close results this week, with two matches decided by five goals.

The match of the round was between St Andrew's and Technical B. One goal separated the teams at each of the first two breaks. At three quarter time scores were level and it looked to set up a thrilling last quarter. St Andrew's had other ideas though and made the most of the last quarter posting 16 goals to Technical's 11 to win 58-53. While St Andrew's had fewer attempts at goal, they made the most of their opportunities and with superior accuracy came away with the win. All three St Andrew's shooters impressed, Arlya Guard, Karereatu Williams and Millie Morrow.

UC had a slow start to its game against Halswell but fought back throughout the game to take it 48-43. While Halswell lead by one at half time, UC set up a five goal advantage by the three quarter time break and maintained this at the final whistle.

Lincoln B recorded its second win for the season with a 59-38 win over Christchurch Girls High School.  In the first half the shooting combination of Brylee Milmine and Ruby Keno stood out with strong feeding and movement from Sophie Gill at wing attack. While at the other end, CGHS shooters struggled with the relentless defensive combination of Annalise Graham and Maddie Hassall who worked in unison to secure turnover ball. 

St Margaret's has maintained its winning run and remains the only unbeaten team beating Kereru C 48-39. St Margaret's shooting combination of Ivy Brown and Te Ata Hassan was impressive for St Margaret's while Kereru's shooters were unable to convert with accuracy.

Premier 1 statistics:

Lincoln University A 53 (E Wilkie 9/22, T Placid 6/16, E Hargreaves 38/50) def St Nicholas A 27 (G Nicholls 2/7, K Gallon 13/18, N Merkel 12/21). Qtrs: 10-3, 22-15, 35-21, 53-27.

Kereru A 67 (L Clark 53/60, S Adams 12/15, M Selby-Rickett 2/3) def Kereru B 48 (K Ioane 35/45, H Tallentire 13/17). Qtrs: 16-11, 33-18, 49-35, 67-48.

Kia Toa A 54 (C Corbett 27/36, E Mamea 9/16, T Boagni 18/24) def Technical A 49 (K Ralph 35/45, K Timpson 12/19, F Ross 2/4). Qtrs: 12-13, 22-29, 38-41, 54-49.

UC 57 (L Pale 17/24, R Tulisi 30/40, V Koloto 10/12) def Saints 44 (M Hill 27/38, G Etheredge 17/22). Qtrs: 11-12, 27-21, 41-36, 57-44.

Premier 2 statistics:

St Margaret's A 48 (I brown 15/16, T Hassan 33/36) def Kereru C 39 (S Masson 23/39, O Anstis 1/2, L Taylor 12/22, K Nixon 3/3). Qtrs: 11-9, 24-18, 36-26, 48-39.

Lincoln University B 59 (B Milmine 37/43, R Keno 10/14, S Coulthard 12/19) def CGHS A 38 (M Smith 6/9, E Croft, M Kennan 21/26). Qtrs: 21-7, 36-14, 45-28, 59-38.

UC B 48 (S Cusack 30/36, K Fleming 18/29, A Williams 0/0) def Halswell A 43 (J Lancaster 12/15, J Cottam 11/15, C Ashton 20/24). Qtrs: 5-9, 19-20, 36-31, 48-43.

St Andrew's A 58 (A Guard 31/36, K Williams 14-17, M Morrow 13/13) def Technical B 53 (C Campbell 18/27, K Ralph 31/39, J Reuben 4/6). Qtrs: 13-12, 28-27, 42-42, 58-53.

Image: Kia Toa players with coach Corrina Ruki after Tuesday night's win.

Article added: Wednesday 18 May 2022