Leaders heading for title after huge win

Netball

Canterbury took pole position in Division 1 as the league heads towards its final round of fixtures. The leaders were emphatic winners against Breakaways in the late game on Sunday morning. Star player and Best Defence for her team Tash Guy (GK) made it hard for the Breakaways shooters, limiting them to just four goals in the first quarter. At the other end, Canterbury’s dependable shooters Michelle Noden and Alice Ames were clinical as they led 33-10 by half-time. Breakaways rallied in the second half as their shooters Kat Savage (GS) and Hannah Mawston (GA) deserved their Best Attack and Star player awards but it wasn’t enough to avoid a 74-28 defeat. CFA Diamonds were in the hunt to secure second place, needing a win against Action Pumps to maintain their lead over Pilgrims. It was close early on as the teams finished the first quarter with nine goals each thanks to the hard work of Star player for Action Pumps Jo Maher (C). Diamonds improved as the game progressed and the floating players linked effectively with their new team-mates. Best Defence Jayne Conroy (GK) limited the shooting opportunities while Emma Williams (Best Attack) created the chances for Star player Jodie Nelder to convert at GA as Diamonds ran out 44-30 winners. Third-place Pilgrims were up against bottom side Bishops and completed a comprehensive victory in the early game. The outcome was in little doubt by half-time as Pilgrims’ Best Attack Hannah Lee (GS) and Liliane Widdows (GA) scored 30 goals in the first 30 minutes. Kerrie Fisher was tireless at GD and deserved the Star Player award for Bishops but wasn’t able to help her team to a much needed point. The Bishops shooters were put under pressure by Best Defence Jasmine Harding (GK) and Star player Nanette Miles (C) dominated the centre court for Pilgrims as the game ended 54-15. Pilgrims under-19’s continued their winning run with a victory over UKC in Division 2 this week. The young team have adapted this season and the impressive and versatile Mia Lamb was their Star player at GA. Supported well by Best Attack Mia Murray at C, the young Pilgrims team led 22-13 at half-time. Megan Gritti, Star player for UKC was able to convert the chances she had at GS despite being tested throughout by Best Defence Ella Tester-smith (GK). Pilgrims almost doubled their goal tally in the second half to win 41-24 but the persistence of UKC was enough to secure a point and move them off the bottom of the table. Black Jacks have already secured the Division 2 title but were keen to maintain their 100% winning record. Despite calling on floater Gemma Myers to play GA, it didn’t hamper their flow as Black Jacks led 25-9 at half-time. Myers was influential throughout and suitably rewarded with Star player, while Lavinia Watts (GK) made life difficult for the Wahl shooters and deserving of the Best Defence award. Wahl were unfortunate to lose GK Rebecca Smith to injury early in the first quarter but battled until the last whistle with six players. Despite the best efforts of Louise Hale (C), Star player, and Lola Leveridge (WA), Best Attack, for Wahl, they couldn’t prevent the leaders winning 56-24. Canterbury Back To’s secured second-place with a 25-14 win over Academy Whites while Bluebirds beat Academy Reds 37-20 to maintain third place.