Manukura Red in upset

Manukura Red proved it’s not a one-horse race for the Manawatu¯ club netball title by knocking over competition leaders Massey.

Manukura won 43-41 at the Arena, Palmerston North, on Tuesday, the only game that didn’t follow the form guide. Massey have won the past three titles and haven’t lost a game since the 2017 regular season, but the result means Manukura, who are third, can’t be counted out come finals time.

There are two more rounds before the semifinals.

This week, Massey led 13-9 after the first quarter, but struggled in the second stanza, with Manukura outscoring them 17-8 to take a 26-21 halftime lead. The second half was more even and although Massey won the final quarter 8-7, Manukura held their narrow lead.

Manaia Hutana was Manukura’s most prolific shooter, with 27 from 30 attempts, while Massey’s best was Emily Autagavaia, 18 from 27.

Feilding A1 had a confidenceboosting 52-44 win over Manukura Black.

The win keeps Feilding in second place and shows they can beat the other top sides. The game was close throughout and Manukura led 15-10 after the first quarter, but Feilding surged into a 30-27 halftime lead with 20 goals in the second quarter. The second half was even, but Feilding did enough for a comfortable lead by the end. Montel Aki had a big night shooting for Feilding, with 43 from 60. Maia Karena-barrett sunk 27 from 29 for Manukura.

Ra¯ hui won’t give up on their pursuit of the top four, beating

Feilding A2 64-42.

Ra¯ hui are fifth and four points outside the top four, and need someone above them to falter. Feilding kept up with Ra¯ hui and trailed just 29-26 at halftime, but Ra¯hui took over in the second half, scoring 21 goals in the third quarter. Amiria Cooper was Ra¯ hui’s busiest shooter, 42 from 54. Feilding’s best was Rebekah Alabaster, with 29 from 40.

Palmerston North Girls’ High School were too strong for Massey A2 in a 70-46 win. The schoolgirls scored heavily in most quarters, thanks to shooter Madeleine Williams, 47 from 53, and they had a big lead by halftime, up 34-22. Girls’ High capitalised on turnover ball. In the third quarter they scored 21 goals to Massey’s 13. Rowena Brunt scored 32 from 41 for Massey.

Standings: Massey 34, Feilding A1 29, Manukura Red 26, Manukura Black 25, Ra¯hui 21, Girls’ High 9, Feilding A2 8, Massey 4.

Next week: Feilding A 1 v Massey A1, 6pm; Ra¯hui v Massey A2, 6pm; Manukura Red v Manukura Black, 7.30pm; Girls’ High v Feilding A2, 7.30pm.