Cornerstone got off to a slow start in their game against Ngongotaha at Aquinas College in Tauranga on Tuesday.

The team was down in the first quarter, but by halftime the gap was closing. Strong defensive work by Billy Pritchard and Candice Edwards ensured some good turnover ball and shooters Nikki Schrafft and Julianna Naoupu were converting well.

Throughout the final quarter the team combinations kicked in and Cornerstone exerted their dominance on the game to come away with a convincing win.

In a game that always promised to be a tight one the spectators at the Whaka Red versus Paroa Panthers match were treated to a great tussle.

Whaka Red took awhile to settle into play and during the first quarter break the team were instructed to stick to the plan, work it together, and let the rest take care of itself.

This clearly worked as they took the lead at halftime and held on to it throughout the remainder of the game.

Annabelle Aston at GA led the attacking end and her connection with GS Jay Law grew throughout the game. Law was strong under the hoop and both shooters slotted some long range shots. Laura McDonald C and Christina Diamond WA had a strong combination and their feeding and movement around the circle settled the team.

At the other end of the court GD Melissa Ruru had a fantastic game, leading her team by example.

She was supported well by Erena Mikaere GK and Maryanne Gibbs WD.

The defensive unit chased for any loose ball and kept applying the pressure for the whole 60 minutes.

Changes at half time of Shayla Reihana into WD and Pre Atutahi into WA saw a quick adjustment and a final hard fought win 56 to 43.

In second division, Mount Sports 2 had a good win against Eastern Pirates last night in Rotorua.

It was a tight game in the shooting circle with the Pirates playing a strong one to one defence.

Stand out player of the match was Claire Goldsworthy who had an outstanding game at WD, despite the fact that it was her first game in that position this season.

Casey Anthony also had a great game in the shooting circle with an accuracy rate of over 80 per cent.

Contract Mechanical Services Baywide Open Round 5 Results

Whaka Red 56 v Paroa Panthers 43

Cornerstone 48 v Ngongotaha 34

Poroporo Pahou 46 v Whakatane 30

Mount Sports 38 v NBOP 36

Mount Sports 2 49 v Eastern Pirates 35