Kapi-Mana impress despite loss to East

Kapi-Mana issued a warning when they stretched Wellington champions Wellington East in the first round of the Regional Super League, going down 57-55.

SMOG also found themselves in a testing battle at Te Rauparaha Arena on Saturday. They fought back from a slow start over Hutt Valley's best, Naenae White, to win 56-54.

In the other division one match, PIC 1 outclassed Naenae Blue 69-22 at Walter Nash Stadium.

Kapi-Mana were led by dynamic midcourter Tia Rameka, a former Wellington representative who combined with young shooter Jezrae Te Runa-Morehu who was accurate in goal.

Kapi-Mana coach June Slade was delighted to see her side reveal a high level of ability despite rugged defence from Wellington East.

"It was a very positive start," Slade said. "Tia Rameka was outstanding and the whole team played really well. Jezrae Te Runa-Morehu is an up-and-coming player."

SMOG coach Marianne Delaney is predicting a close year of matches and believes the new competition has made a strong start.

"I heard an ad on the radio heading out to the game, and there was a real buzz in the crowd," Delaney said.

SMOG fought back from a slow start as Naenae White goal attack Alicia College shot accurately from around the circle. She was one of four Cook Strait players wearing the Naenae strip.

A late intercept from SMOG goal keep Brooke Cutting helped clinch the game for the young SMOG side, to inflict Naenae White's first loss of the year.

PIC 1's Claudia Henison and Geraldine Solia helped PIC build a 39-9 halftime lead over Naenae Blue. PIC's Daya Pritchard helped feed the ball through court and was strong on defence.

PIC 1, SMOG and Wellington East lead the division one competition.

In division two, Rimutaka combined well with accurate shooting and a strong game around the circle from Luana Nanai-Uatulu to beat Taita 63-37.

Wellington Girls' College were too strong for the Kapiti combined team with a 75-36 win, while PIC 2 and Wairarapa were better matched with the former winning 62-48.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Newest First

Oldest First