The clash between Wildfire and Maheno Green was intense in the North Otago netball competition on Saturday.
Both sides were brilliantly led by their respective defensive ends, picking up some spectacular ball and going goal for goal in the first two quarters.
In the third quarter, Maheno Green was able to force Wildfire into unforced errors and jumped out to a healthy 21-16 lead.
Wildfire made a push in the final quarter but fell five goals short of a draw at 29-24.
Bailey Chapman and captain Laura Dunshea stood out.
Phillippa Masoe had a fine game at goal keep and she was well backed up by goal defence Kat Kawau.
Waitaki Girls Lightning Strike, without the services of a couple of frontline players due to injury, came out strongly in the first quarter against Maheno.
It got out to a six-goal margin with some strong attacking play, but as it began to tire Maheno clawed its way back into the game in the final quarter, pulling away for a three-goal victory, 31-28.
Valley Koru produced a strong, dominant game to show it is a real contender for the No1 spot in premier grade.
Taieri Grant was outstanding at goal attack, feeding and shooting beautifully, producing deceptive offloads to her goal shooter.
Valley Karaka was too clinical for Athletic Maroon, coming away with a 51-19 win.
Ella Francis worked tirelessly for Athletic while Fiona Dunnett was consistent and versatile at both attack and defence, picking up some great turnovers.
In the other premier game, the New World men's team beat Waitaki Girls Wildfire 47-14.
- Terry O'Neill
