Southland win comes at a cost

The Southland netball team will play off for fifth place at the national provincial championship today.

The Reinga Te Huia-coached side produced a gutsy 49-47 win over Wellington yesterday to advance to the playoff at 12.30pm, but it wasn’t without a significant cost, with defender Krishanee Tamou having to be taken to hospital by ambulance with a suspected broken ankle.

‘‘It was very tight throughout the whole game, it was a real battle right to the last minute,’’ Te Huia said.

Southland had led the game throughout, but had to fend off a third-quarter fightback by Wellington before turning some late turnovers into winning goals.

Te Huia said Southland’s defensive effort throughout the court had been vital, along with their ability to recover mentally after Tamou’s distressing ankle injury.

Southland had done well to bounce back after two losses on Wednesday.

‘‘Amazing character. I told the girls I was extremely proud of their efforts and their ability to just keep fighting.’’

The leadership of Wendy Frew and Hayley Croft had been important, Te Huia said.