Stung by a one-goal loss two weeks ago, a driven Mainland side took a step closer to the Synergy Hair Netball League Grand Final with a commanding win over Central Manawa.
Mainland led from the opening whistles in the top-of-the-table clash for a 65-48 win over the previously unbeaten Manawa side at TSB Bank Arena in Wellington on Sunday.
Guided by a stand-out performance from their captain and attacking play-maker Gemma Etheredge, Mainland dominated from the outset with a strong first and third quarters setting up the big win.
Centre Jenna Barrett said their connections and confidence on court was behind the victory as they were able to “let the ball go” in what they expected to be a tough match against Manawa.
“We went in focussed on ourselves and what we can do well and sticking to our processes,” she said.
Barrett also praised her captain who delivered an MVP performance at goal attack for her play up front and defensive pressure through court.
“Gemma’s amazing, leads by example, goes for everything and we’re very lucky to have her on our team,” she said.
Manawa captain Parris Mason said there was too much “miss communications” throughout the team on court and they were unable to pull it back after a slow start.
“I think we’re learning just to treasure the ball. Our possession was a bit low so it’s about going back to the basics – unfortunately we didn’t do that today.”
Coming off a one-goal loss to the Marvels in Round 6, Mainland was made to work hard for its first goal but showed great patience to get on the scoreboard and their strong defensive efforts through the midcourt allowed the visitors to jump out to an early advantage.
But Manawa made the most of their opportunities to level the scores midway through the opening period before Mainland tightened the defensive screws again to limit the hosts flow of ball into their shooting circle.
Etheredge made her presence felt up front with her strong take of the ball and deft passing to Trident Homes Tactix shooter Hannah Glen, the red-and-blacks leading 20-13 at the first break.
A strong halftime talk from coach Anna Andrews-Tasola ensured a more determined Manawa side took the court in the second quarter, but they were unable to bridge the gap. Capitalising on shooter Amelia Walmsley’s height advantage in the circle proved difficult for the home side – Manawa superior with their accuracy under the hoop but unable to get enough ball into their shooters’ hands.
But a timely turnover for Manawa look to spark the home side who had closed the difference to four goals with four minutes left in the half.
Mainland held its composure however to hold a 34-28 lead at halftime with coach Julie Seymour turning to her bench for the third quarter. Glen made way for fellow Tactix shooter Vika Koloto – a more mobile shooting circle something different for the Manawa defence to ponder.
Barrett and Ashleigh Poi shared the centre bib throughout the match with Seymour able to make numerous seamless changes in personnel at any time – using her entire bench throughout the 60 minutes of play.
Manawa also made a number of changes early in the third quarter with Jazz Scott coming on at centre and Salote Taufa at wing attack as the hosts went goal for goal early in the spell.
Maintaining that consistency however proved difficult and with the gap growing to 10 goals, further changes were made with Grace Namana making way for Renee Matoe at goal attack.
But there was little Manawa could do to halt Mainland’s progress as the visitors netted five unanswered goals late in the quarter to go into the fourth spell with a 50-35 lead.