Maheno Green held off a strong final challenge from Valley Koru to win 35-34 in the North Otago club netball competition on Saturday.
Valley Koru’s Amber Direen was outstanding on defence, leading from the back and combining beautifully with Lisa Fenwick.
Maheno Green grabbed three-goal runs in the second and final quarter to take the narrow win.
Goal keep Phillipa Masoe and goal defence Kat Kawau worked tirelessly to combat Valley’s tall shooters. Centre Hayley Lawrence was solid on attack and defence for Maheno.
Athletic Maroon trounced Maheno Rebels 38-18, with two fill-ins in the line-up. Jessie Knight slotted in at goal shoot and was fed well.
Mel Lewis stepped into defence and held the circle tight, Moana Bufton making it difficult for the Maheno shooters. Wing defence Ella Francis put pressure on the opposition.
Goal attack Micayla Brensell played well in the final quarter, and goal shoot Amy Parish played well in the Rebels’ best quarter of the game.
Valley Karaka worked hard in its 43-31 win over WGHS Wildfire. Kara Cox had an outstanding game, making superb catches under pressure.
WGHS Wildfire’s shooting was below par and this did not allow the side to put scoreboard pressure on Valley, for which Ryah McLeod was impressive.
St Kevin’s A shot away to a 9-2 first-quarter lead against WGHS Lightning Strike.
The shooting circle of Tegan Souness and Kaliopeta and the defensive duo of Jasmine Emery and Annie Metcalfe worked well to help St Kevin’s extend its lead to 20-10 at halftime.
Lightning Strike drew the third quarter before the St Kevin’s midcourt, led by Ellen Swanson, guided St Kevin’s to a 39-22 win.
The best of the Lightning Strike were Nelle Loper and new wing attack Alice Petrie.
- Terry O'Neill
