Final role reversals for Massey and Manukura
Massey and Manukura Black will face off in the premier club netball final for the second season in a row, but a year down the track, the two teams have had their roles reversed.
Manukura have won the title the past two years, including last year’s final when they beat Massey 59-40, which was Massey’s first final appearance in 24 years.
This year’s grand final is at the Arena at 7.45pm today and this time Massey go into the rematch as slight favourites.
Massey are undefeated through 14 games this season and have beaten Manukura in both their matchups this year, so they look like having their best chance to win their first title since 1991.
Manukura lost twice to Massey this year and drew with Feilding A1, which was something new to the team who have won every other game in their three-year existence.
Massey have had the edge this season, coming from behind to win their last encounter 54-53 and they were too good in the first round, winning 47-38.
Massey are at full strength for the game and have depth at both ends of the court.
Defender Hapai Selby-law has been in good form recently and Theresa Hunt has put in some good defensive performances as well.
Wing defence Olivia Tilyard and circle defenders Kate Milne and Vicki Miller are key players and were part of last year’s losing final.
Kegahan Seymour has been in hot form under the hoop all year, and tall young shooter Sam Murphy has improved every week.
Captain Laura Lobb is one of their best at centre.
Manukura are also at full strength and their three key women will be shooter Renee Matoe, midcourter Sheridan Bignall and defender Rhiarna Ferris.
Former New Zealand secondary schools shooters Emma-may Murray-fifita and Shaani Tematafrost are also playing, but one of their stars this season has been energetic defender Layce Walker.
Both teams had the week off last week while the others played off for third to eighth spot.
It is also finals night for the other grades today. The secondary schools final between Manukura Red and Palmerston North Girls’ High School is at 5.30pm, and Dannevirke and Manukura Black A2 will play the premier two final at 6.30pm. There are also two junior finals at 4.15pm.