Central Manawa turned the tables on Mainland to secure a fourth title when posting a 49-41 win in the Grand Final of the Synergy Hair Netball League in Auckland on Saturday.
Falling by 17 goals to the same opposition just two weeks ago, Manawa dominated through the middle stages of the winner-takes-all rematch to hold the upper hand despite losing their shape in the final quarter.
Contesting their fifth Grand Final, Manawa continued their strong tradition at this level to once again take possession of the title, superior shooting accuracy being a key point of difference.
There was a concerted push by Mainland in the run home but with a healthy 12-goal lead, Manawa were able to repel the late charge, being restricted to just eight goals but having enough in the tank to stay in front.
``We were just out there gunning for that win and it was a great win for us,’’ Manawa player of the match Parris Mason said afterwards.
``It’s always great when you have a loss and you have to go back to the drawing board and reflect. And that’s exactly what we did, going out there today, executing all of our structures and coming away with the win.’’
There was a heavy defensive presence in the opening stanza with both teams having to work hard to get the ball goal-bound.
Long feeds to the respective shooters Amelia Walmsley and Mainland’s Hannah Glen proved fruitful when the opportunity presented but largely, each side had to show plenty of patience in threading the ball through court.
Manawa threatened to take a grip on proceedings when forging a three-goal lead but wayward passing helped Mainland get back on level terms as the goal-for-goal stand-off continued.
With numerous turnover opportunities presented both ways, it was Manawa’s superior shooting accuracy that helped them grind out a narrow 12-10 lead at the first break.
Mainland quickly levelled the scores soon after the resumption before a lift in intensity gave Manawa the impetus to put their foot down.
Manawa’s defensive trio of Danielle Tafili, Mason and Jazz Scott put the squeeze on Mainland’s attacking momentum to grab the initiative with extra ball and a scoring streak of five straight goals.
Keeping Mainland scoreless for long minutes added extra confidence at the other end where the tall figure of shooter Walmsley was rock solid with her accuracy and movement while her shooting partner Grace Namana was effect and reliable in setting up the circle.
Glen was a key figure in keeping Mainland in the contest but it was Manawa with all the momentum when they headed into the main break with a handy 26-20 lead.
Both teams mixed up their playing personnel with Mainland needing to shuffle their pack as Manawa continued to apply the blowtorch. Effective defensive work, where Mason got her hand to plenty of turnover opportunities (two intercepts and four deflections for the match), and the switch of experienced attacker Renee Matoe from wing attack to goal attack paid off handsomely.
Mainland struggled to contain Walmsley under the hoop while the playmaking Matoe helped set up the circle expertly as Manawa took full advantage to build on their lead.
Restricted to just nine goals for the quarter, Mainland continued to be hustled into error as Manawa extended out to a healthy 41-29 lead at the last turn.