Christchurch are the 2014 Lion Foundation Netball Champs

Christchurch are the 2014 Lion Foundation Netball Champs

3 October 2014

A cohesive Christchurch side have held off a spirited challenge from North Harbour to claim the Lion Foundation Netball Champions title for 2014 at The Trusts Arena in Henderson today.

Christchurch coach Tania Hoffman was thrilled by the performance of her team, who held their nerve against a resurgent young Harbour line-up, to win the grand final, 61-51.

“It was a great effort by the girls. We always knew that North Harbour could come back at us, and they did; we were leading by 14 but they brought it back to 10 at the final whistle,” Hoffman said.

“We played well throughout the tournament, even when we were really tested. We have great experienced players, but we also brought through some promising young talent this year.”

Both teams went through the four days leading up to the final unbeaten, so it was no surprise that they were level-pegging throughout the opening quarter, and tied 16-16 at the first break.

Proficient Christchurch shooters Julianna Naoupu and Ellen Halpenny settled to the task of evading stand-out Harbour defender Isarena Chan, who went hunting for any ball she could seize.

At the opposite end, Harbour’s attack spearheaded by Malia Paseka and Julie Kelman-Poto also fell into a smooth rhythm, and that continued even when halfway through the second quarter, goal attack Alyssa-Jean Savelio joined Paseka in the circle.

But defensive pressure poured on by Jane Watson and Louise Thayer helped Christchurch create a four-goal advantage just before halftime – yet once again Harbour clawed back to draw level after the break.

It was eventually the advantage of experience in the Christchurch line-up, driven by Anna Thompson in the midcourt, which determined the overall result; their tight defence through court forcing the young Harbour side into errors they could not recover from, despite their final quarter surge. Naoupu’s pristine shooting – 41 from 45 attempts – was also a highlight of the match.

North Harbour coach Yvonne Willering applauded the efforts of her side: “We were there in patches, but there were times when we played as individuals – trying to help each other out – and that cost us.

“We have so many young players, and the strength of our team is our unity. I’m pleased that we built throughout the tournament.”

Hamilton City finished the tournament on a high note, winning the 3rd/4th playoff 61-47 over Wellington. Elsa Brown’s outstanding shooting performance, notching up 52 from 60 attempts, ensured Hamilton took an early five-goal advantage and maintained it.

Final positions:
1. Christchurch
2. North Harbour
3. Hamilton City
4. Wellington
5. Kapi Mana
6. Waitakere
7. Dunedin
8. Auckland
9. Hutt Valley
10. Taranaki
11. Bay of Plenty
12. Counties Manukau
13. Thames Valley
14. Eastern Waikato

Please click here to see the 2014 Tournament Selection.

ENDS

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