Mainland have won their first national league grand title, in an electrifying see-sawing match against Central Manawa.
A huge final quarter effort from Mainland saw them win the match 48-44 and lift the trophy for the first time.
In the Synergy Hair Netball League Grand Final at Wellington’s TSB Arena, it was anyone’s game in the first three quarters, with the Summerset Super Shot in play.
But a mammoth effort from Mainland in the final 15 minutes saw them win the stanza 10-5, and win the match by four goals.
Goal shoot Te Ata Hassan was a standout in the red dress for Mainland, shooting at 87 percent and having great connections with her feeders. She was accurate in both the one and two-point zones, scoring six super shots, well assisted by Vika Koloto at goal attack.
Down the other end of the court, Lose Faingaanuku finished the match with six gains and five deflections and was awarded player of the match.
The goal keep did a great job shutting down Manawa goal shoot Phoenix Schwalger, who was incredibly accurate when her feeders found her, missing just one of her 32 attempts. Schwalger was one of six NZ under 21 trialists to take the court today, showing the strength of the programme.
It was an even contest for most of the game, both teams taking advantage of the new two-point shot, with Manawa’s Amorangi Malesala showing her experience and sinking three super shots.
Central Manawa are five-time champions of the national league, and won the last battle against Mainland by just two goals, less than a week ago. Manawa had home court advantage, and were the only team to have beaten Mainland in this shorter season.
As the lead changed constantly between the two sides, Manawa managed to hold a very narrow lead at quarter time. And up by two goals at half-time, Manawa only just held back a Mainland comeback to hold a one-point lead with one quarter to go.
But it was Mainland who kept a cool head, Ashleigh Poi playing a full 60 minutes in the midcourt, finishing with a massive 40 circle feeds. Hassan slotted six goals in the final quarter, and one super shot to seal the deal for Mainland.
A huge final quarter effort from Mainland saw them win the match 48-44 and lift the trophy for the first time.
In the Synergy Hair Netball League Grand Final at Wellington’s TSB Arena, it was anyone’s game in the first three quarters, with the Summerset Super Shot in play.
But a mammoth effort from Mainland in the final 15 minutes saw them win the stanza 10-5, and win the match by four goals.
Goal shoot Te Ata Hassan was a standout in the red dress for Mainland, shooting at 87 percent and having great connections with her feeders. She was accurate in both the one and two-point zones, scoring six super shots, well assisted by Vika Koloto at goal attack.
Down the other end of the court, Lose Faingaanuku finished the match with six gains and five deflections and was awarded player of the match.
The goal keep did a great job shutting down Manawa goal shoot Phoenix Schwalger, who was incredibly accurate when her feeders found her, missing just one of her 32 attempts. Schwalger was one of six NZ under 21 trialists to take the court today, showing the strength of the programme.
It was an even contest for most of the game, both teams taking advantage of the new two-point shot, with Manawa’s Amorangi Malesala showing her experience and sinking three super shots.
Central Manawa are five-time champions of the national league, and won the last battle against Mainland by just two goals, less than a week ago. Manawa had home court advantage, and were the only team to have beaten Mainland in this shorter season.
As the lead changed constantly between the two sides, Manawa managed to hold a very narrow lead at quarter time. And up by two goals at half-time, Manawa only just held back a Mainland comeback to hold a one-point lead with one quarter to go.
But it was Mainland who kept a cool head, Ashleigh Poi playing a full 60 minutes in the midcourt, finishing with a massive 40 circle feeds. Hassan slotted six goals in the final quarter, and one super shot to seal the deal for Mainland.