Unbeaten side to meet champion

Maheno Green and Valley Karaka will meet in an intriguing top-of-the-table clash in the North Otago premier competition this weekend.

It will pit unbeaten Maheno Green (six from six) against defending champion Karaka, which is second on the table with four wins from its five games.

Maheno Green maintained its winning streak with a wire-to-wire 37-23 win over St Kevin’s College on Saturday.

Green took an 11-3 lead after the first quarter but found the school side tougher in the second, and the margin remained eight goals (18-10) at halftime.

Inspired by some sterling defensive work, Green pushed ahead again to lead 28-17 after the third quarter.

Phillipa Masoe had a strong game at goal keep for Maheno, while Kate Lawrence dictated play at wing attack.

St Kevin’s did not create enough space to get back into the game, although Olivia Mavor again showed her consistency at centre and Jasmine Emery looked good at goal defence.

Valley Karaka rebounded from a sluggish start to beat Athletic Maroon 42-25.

It was 9-9 after the first quarter as Athletic, delighted to welcome back Rachel Leohau after a long injury break, looked full of verve.

Karaka stepped up the pressure in the second quarter, led by goal defence Nicky Fisher, and took a 23-13 lead by halftime. Valley then pulled away to take a 32-20 lead into the final spell.

Valley’s other team, Koru, came from behind to beat Waitaki Girls’ High School Wildfire 39-33.

The schoolgirls led 12-8 after the first quarter, but Koru blazed through the second to lead 20-18 at halftime, and held a 29-26 advantage after three quarters.

Goal defence Leeanne Mavor was hungry for work for Koru.

Alysha McCabe was a menace in the circle for Wildfire, and wing attack Meadow Neill impressed on her return from injury.

Goal attack Jessie Chapman and defenders Jane Mulholland and Steph Voice shone for Kurow in its tough 27-25 win over Maheno Rebels.

Rebels, led by Rachel Carling, Aleisha Lucas and Emma Slater, led 20-18 heading into the final quarter before Kurow came through to win.

The Oamaru men’s team beat Waitaki Girls’ Lightning Strike 40-22.

Timote Hanipale and Mitch McRae linked well through the midcourt, while Tim Craig and Jak Elliott stood out on defence.

Goal shoot Brooke Warden and midcourter Kaitlyn King starred for a Lightning Strike team that played with freedom and flair.

Add a Comment