Maheno Green dominated the middle stages of the game to beat Waitaki Girls’ Wildfire 38-24 in a top-of-the-table clash in North Otago premier netball on Saturday.
It was only 8-7 to the country club after the first quarter but Maheno exerted its dominance in the second to lead 18-12 at halftime, and pushed to a 30-17 lead at the three-quarter mark.
Centre Kathryn Kawau and wing attack Hannah Johnson combined nicely in the midcourt, Kawau especially slick feeding the shooters.
Maheno defenders Melissa Smith and Ella Brown put the brakes on the Wildfire shooters.
A serious knee injury to Wildfire defender Jess Lake meant the game was shifted to a different court.
The schoolgirls rallied in the final quarter as shooter Renee Stenning and wing defence Bailey Chapman stood out.
Athletic Maroon produced a fine all-round performance to beat Kurow A 31-24.
Shooters Jess Kerr and Kelly Hughes worked together well before Kelly missed the final quarter through injury. Renee Webster replaced her and the change in style meant the Maroon attack was strong.
Standout Kurow players were goal shoot Ashleigh Fenwick and goal defence Jane Mulholland.
In a game between teams desperate for competition points, Waitaki Girls’ Lightning Strike beat Maheno Rebels 27-21.
Lightning Strike started the game without two starting midcounters, and Rebels took a handy three-goal lead.
As the new Waitaki combinations settled, they inspired strong attacking play from ace goal shoot Emma Fox. Brooke Warden and Sarah Jamison also looked good for Lightning Strike.
For Maheno Rebels, Anna Lindsay showed her skills with accurate circle feeds, while Rachel Carling led well from goal keep.
The men’s team beat St Kevin’s Senior A 31-14.
- Terry O'Neill
