Then there were four …

Premier netball’s semifinal stage was set at Stadium 2000 tonight with two exciting clashes deciding who goes forward to next Tuesday’s play-offs and who plays who.

The night’s final match saw a re-run of last year’s title-decider. Defending champs Pelorus and Harlequins went in the match tied on points, the third round title, plus top qualifying spot in the semis, up for grabs.

After a fluctuating 60 minutes of full-on netball Harlequins came away with a 48-44 victory, claiming an early edge if the sides should, as many are suggesting, meet in the premier final on August 29.

But first the leading sides must get past two dogged play-off opponents.

Top qualifier Harlequins will play Marlborough Girls’ College, who needed a win over Tokomaru tonight to book a spot in the semis.

The students got the job done, fending off a late revival from the Picton-based crew to prevail 45-40. Although Toko picked up a bonus point, drawing them level with MGC on the third round standings, the students went into the match with a much better goal difference which allowed them to progress.

The other semi will see Pelorus up against Central, who had a match against the Men’s Invitation side tonight. Although they lost 51-35 the Blues had a decent workout, while resting a couple of key players before the semis.

The battle of the sides who have made most of the pace this season was intriguing. Pelorus appeared to have a slight advantage in the early stages, leading 27-24 at halftime with shooters Anel Moli and Courtney Taufa benefitting from the midcourt work of speedsters Stormy Tupara and Bex Mark, while the circle defensive duo of Oriana Houra and Izzy Tupouto’a, plus Liv Matthews at WD, denied Quins easy access to the goal circle.

However, the third quarter was another story, Quins winning it by seven to take a four-goal lead into the final stanza.

The 9-9 scoreline in the last 15 minutes summed up both side’s efforts, desperation creeping in as the clock wound down.

Paige O’Brien, Zara Jopson and Bridget Gane were integral to Quins revival, along with indomitable defenders Wendy Trolove and Delyth James-Sitters, while Lauren Murray and Wiri Bristowe kept the score ticking over, their attacking circle partnership beginning to gel.

Scores:

MGC Liquid Action 45 (Sophia Nicholas 15/28, Jaye Wiapo 30/35) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 40 (Kayla Wilson 23/28, Naomi Fowler 9/15, Dana Wilson 8/16). Quarter scores – winning team first: 11-10, 14-11, 14-9, 6-10.

Mixed Invitation 51 (Shiloh Walsh 16/18, Luke Richardson 13/20, Jacob Collins 7/9, Jack Frew 15/20) Central Gill Construction 35 (Jess Rutherford 15/18, Celine Barnes 12/16, Hayley Marfell 3/5, Liv Pinkerton 5/12). Quarter scores – winning team first: 14-9, 13-10, 13-9, 11-7.

Harlequins Totalspan 48 (Lauren Murray 19/27, Wiri Bristowe 29/36) Pelorus Edridge Contracting 44 (Anel Moli 28/34, Mele Moli 3/5, Courtney Taufa 13/18). Quarter scores – winning team first: 11-13, 13-14, 15-8, 9-9.

Final points after the third round: Harlequins 12, Pelorus 10, Central 5, MGC 4, Tokomaru 4.

Semifinal draw: Harlequins v MGC; Pelorus v Central.