The Southland Wide Netball League resumed on Thursday night with round five games in Gore.
The most anticipated game was between the previously unbeaten Rata and Invercargill St Mary's.
St Mary's had ace shooter Aliya Dunn back on its books for the clash. After a stellar second season playing for the Pulse, Dunn was considered unlucky by some to not be adding to her four test caps at the World Cup.
St Mary's, which won 56-51, made an excellent start to the match and kept Rata scoreless for the opening six minutes.
Although St Mary's led by as many as 11 goals during the middle stages of the game, coach Sarah Hamilton never felt safe.
"Every quarter Rata threatened a comeback and got within four goals at the end."
Dunn sisters Aliyah and Tyra were keys to the victory.
Former Silver Fern Donna Wilkins, playing for Rata, proved she had not lost any of her accuracy or competitive spirit.
Rata coach Debbie Munro lamented her side's slow start.
"Unfortunately our start cost us the game. We gave away far too many turnovers and were forced to play catch up. Donna was amazing and slotted 43 of our 51 goals."
Mossburn beat Southland Girls High School 40-37.
Mossburn coach Lynne Stevenson said the momentum switched between the teams at each quarter.
Mossburn Bridget Dickon teamed well with fellow defender Abby Erwood, while Selina Copland had a strong game at goal attack after playing midcourt in earlier rounds.
Defending champion Gore Ex-High beat Winton 54-34.
Ex-High built an advantage at the first break thanks largely to accurate shooting from goal-attack Emma Millard.
Winton fought hard to bridge the gap through the middle stages but Ex-High's third quarter was very strong.
Krishanee Tamou moved to goal keep and gained intercepts and rebounds to help Ex-High win the third quarter 15-4.
In the fourth match, the winless Central Southland College team failed to front against Gore St Mary's.
- By John Langford
