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Long-serving Black Sticks player Olivia Merry is calling time on her international career after nearly 12 years representing New Zealand. She debuted in 2012 against India and went on to earn 284 international caps scoring 128 goals in the process - the second and first all time, respectively, for New Zealand women. Merry also retires as the 5th all time leading goal scorer in women’s hockey. She put 2 goals away in a 7-2 victory over India in Napier in her first appearance and became feared in the circle and for the first four seasons of the FIH Pro League was the all time leading scorer. Her prowess ultimately led to a World Player of the Year Nomination in 2019. LATEST HEADLINES: Christchurch to host Tall Blacks in November Fisher-Harris signs for NZ Warriors from 2025 Phoenix's Macey Fraser gets big US contract NZ Warriors starters back for Dragons clash Jordie Barrett stays with NZ Rugby past RWC In her career, Merry represented New Zealand at two Olympic Games, Rio and Tokyo, and was part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal winning side and 2014 bronze medal winning side. She also co-captained New Zealand at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2022 World Cup where she helped secure a 5th placed finish equalling the Black Sticks best ever result at a World Cup. Reflecting on her career Merry summarises it as a journey of dedication, passion, and perseverance. “From the early days of training with some of my idols, to competing at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, I've poured my heart and soul into the black shirt. As with any journey there are always challenges and setbacks, but also amazing wins and highs, which I believe has moulded me into the person I am today. “I'm grateful for the support of my coaches, teammates, family, and fans who have been with me in this journey. A particular thank you to my personal sponsors who have supported me throughout my entire career.” Co-captain Megan Hull is effusive in her praise of Merry saying, “to sum up Olivia in such few sentences is like trying to mark her in the 5 yard zone…impossible. “She is the epitome of what it means to be a Black Stick, and anyone who has had the privilege of playing with her, against her, or meeting her is better for it. She has given everything to the shirt and inspired us all to be better everyday. “All sports need great players and humans like Olivia and it’s been such an honour to share the turf with an absolute legend of our game. I know her family and friends could not be prouder and on behalf of the team I wish her all the very best for the exciting chapter that lies ahead.” General Manager - High Performance Darren Smith, who coached Merry in 2022, echoed Hull’s sentiments, calling her a fierce competitor who gave her all to the team. "Olivia has been an outstanding Black Stick, one who has worn the black jersey with distinction. She has led the team with her drive and actions on the pitch. “A player who consistently scores goals at critical times, I have enjoyed watching her develop her career in and away from hockey. I know that she has exciting times ahead with business and family." Looking to the future, Merry is excited about spending more time with her friends and family, giving back to her work, and hopefully reducing her golf handicap. “I think for me it is all about enjoying life and taking things one day at a time. “As I retire, I will always carry with me the memories and lifelong friendships made. I am proud of the legacy I leave behind in the world of hockey - all I hope is that I left the black shirt in a better place.”

Three Softball World Cup-winning veterans have returned to the Black Sox set-up ahead of a big year. Canterbury's Tyron Bartorillo, Auckland's Nik Hayes and Wellington's Wayne Laulu were named on Wednesday in the Black Sox 16-man squad for the WBSC Softball World Cup Group Stage Qualifier in Canada in July. LATEST HEADLINES: * Nelson Giants ease by Manawatu Jets in NBL * Christchurch to host Tall Blacks in November * Fisher-Harris signs for NZ Warriors from 2025   * Phoenix's Macey Fraser gets big US contract   * Nuggets' Tai Webster suspended one game The trio were part of New Zealand's last World Cup-winning team in Whitehorse, Canada in 2017, along with current team-mates, captain Cole Evans, Ben Enoka and Thomas Enoka. The Black Sox roster features 11 players from the last World Cup, in Auckland in December 2022, when New Zealand finished a disappointing eighth. Thomas Makea's No 8-ranked Black Sox will face hosts Canada, Singapore, Dominican Republic, South Africa and Hong Kong in the Group B Qualifier in Prince Albert, Canada from July 10-14. The seven-time world champions hold 13 medals in the event but have failed to reach the podium in the last two editions, marking the first time in history that New Zealand has finished out of the medals in consecutive World Cups. The Black Sox qualified for the World Cup, finishing second at the WBSC Oceania Qualification Tournament in American Samoa last November. New Zealand finished the tournament with a 4-2 record, beating hosts American Samoa three times, and going 1-2 against the defending world champions Australia. Under the new two-stage World Cup format, the Black Sox will be chasing one of two tickets to the eight-nation WBSC Softball World Cup Finals at the same venue from July 8-13, 2025. Two teams from each of the three Group Stage Qualifiers will advance to the 2025 edition, along with two wildcard entries named later. "The Group Stage Qualifier in Prince Albert is a crucial step towards our goal next year," Softball NZ president Lynda O’Cain said. "Congratulations to the selected athletes. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and proudly represent New Zealand." NEW ZEALAND BLACK SOX SQUAD WBSC Softball World Cup Group Qualifier, Prince Albert, Canada Tyron Bartorillo (Canterbury), Te Wera Bishop (Wellington), Daniel Chapman (Auckland), Ben Enoka (Auckland), Thomas Enoka (Auckland), Cole Evan (Auckland - captain), Rhys Evan (Auckland), Nik Hayes (Auckland), Wayne Laulu (Wellington), Reilly Makea (Wellington), Hohepa Monk (North Harbour), Tane Mumu (Hutt Valley), Liam Potts (Canterbury), Jerome Raemaki (Wellington), Pita Rona (North Harbour), Cameron Watts (Canterbury) Non-Travelling Reserves: Max Earley (Auckland), Te Kirika Cooper-Nicola (Wellington), Jayden Stratford (Wellington), Damon Creasy (Wellington), Callum Bishop (Canterbury), Jackson Watt (Canterbury)

The retooled Nelson Giants have eased to a 15-point win over the Manawatu Jets in the National Basketball League (NBL). The Giants scored 54 first-half points and led by 22 points as they tipped off Week 4 with a wire-to-wire 92-77 victory over the struggling Jets at Nelson's Trafalgar Centre on Wednesday night. LATEST HEADLINES: * Christchurch to host Tall Blacks in November * Fisher-Harris signs for NZ Warriors from 2025 * Phoenix's Macey Fraser gets big US contract * NZ Warriors starters back for Dragons clash * Jordie Barrett stays with NZ Rugby past RWC Australian Dan Grida led six Giants players in double-digits, with 19 points (6/10 FG, 6/9 FT), five rebounds and three steals. New 6-foot-11 centre Theo Akwuba finished with 14 points (5/8 FG, 4/6 FT), seven rebounds and three blocks in his NBL debut, while Tall Blacks forward Dan Fotu also had 14 points (6/11 FG), four boards and three steals. American guard Kobe Langley managed 13 points (6/12 FG), with a monster 15 assists and five steals, captain Sam Dempster provided 12 points (5/9 FG, 2/4 3pt) and four boards, and Hayden Jones 11 points (4/9 FG). The Jets were led by import guard Mustapha Heron, with a game-high 29 points (11/19 FG, 2/5 3pt, 5/6 FT), while Campbell Scott hit six triples for 22 points (8/17 FG, 6/10 3pt) and five rebounds, and Simon Lafaele produced a double-double with 12 points (5/11 FG) and 16 boards. The Jets lost their second-leading scorer Troy Baxter Jr in the second quarter to injury, with the American forward, averaging a little more than 20 points per game, going scoreless in 13 minutes. That topped off a bad first half for the visitors, as the Giants went into the main break up 22 points. Fotu had seven early points as Nelson went on a 13-0 run midway through the first period, but the Jets were able to close within five by quarter-time. An 11-1 burst, that included threes from Grida, Dempster and Langley took the lead above 20 points. Manawatu hit back in the later part of the third period, with Heron scoring seven points during a 16-6 run which closed the gap to 11 points. The Jets got within 10 points just once in the fourth before the Giants pulled away again. The Giants (2-3) are now off until Sunday, April 28 (tip-off 6.30pm) when they host the Taranaki Airs (2-1), while the Jets (1-5) return to the court at home against the Auckland Tuatara (3-2) next Saturday (tip-off 4pm). Nelson Giants 92 (Dan Grida 19, Dan Fotu 14, Theo Akwuba 14, Kobe Langley 13, Sam Dempster 12, Hayden Jones 11) Manawatu Jets 77 (Mustapha Heron 29, Campbell Scott 22, Simon Lafaele 12). 1Q: 22-17, HT: 54-32, 3Q: 70-58

Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) has confirmed Christchurch will host the Tall Blacks' next FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying game on New Zealand soil. Pero Cameron's Tall Blacks will face Chinese Taipei on Monday, November 25 (tip-off 7pm) at Christchurch's Wolfbrook Arena, their fourth of six games during the continental cup's qualifying phase. LATEST HEADLINES:  * Fisher-Harris signs for NZ Warriors from 2025 * Phoenix's Macey Fraser gets big US contract * NZ Warriors starters back for Dragons clash * Jordie Barrett stays with NZ Rugby past RWC * Balanced Saints have no trouble with Sharks The last time the Tall Blacks played in Christchurch resulted in a 110-63 win over Saudi Arabia on February 24, 2023, in front of 4000 fans. Christchurch-born Ethan Rusbatch hit 5-of-7 three-pointers for his team-high 21 points in the win, while Canterbury Rams captain Taylor Britt added nine assists. BBNZ CEO Dillon Boucher said the Tall Blacks always relished the chance to play in front of a passionate and engaged crowd in Christchurch. “It’s one of the team’s favourite places to play, as we always know the crowd there is going to be amazing – they love seeing hometown heroes like Ethan, Taylor, Walter [Brown] and Max [Darling] wearing the black jersey, and they’re right behind New Zealand basketball on the international stage,” said Boucher. “That’s all you can ever ask for as an athlete; playing in a great venue in front of highly engaged basketball fans. Christchurch and Wolfbrook Arena definitely tick both those boxes for us, and it’s great to have the support of Ōtautahi Christchurch to bring the fixture to the region and help make it a huge success.” Next up for the Tall Blacks is their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Piraeus, Greece, where they will need to first get past Slovenia and Croatia in group play for a chance to play for one qualifying spot to Paris 2024. They will play Gilas Pilipinas in the Philippines four days earlier during the November international window, with the time and venue to be confirmed. New Zealand are unbeaten in Group B after the February window, beating Chinese Taipei 89-69 on the road and Hong Kong 88-49 in Auckland. The final two qualifying games are in February, 2025, away to Hong Kong on February 20 and home to the Philippines, venue and time to be confirmed, on February 23. The Tall Blacks claimed bronze medals at the delayed FIBA Asia Cup in 2022 in Indonesia, beating Jordan 83-75 in the playoff for third. Tohi Smith-Milner earned All-Star Five honours. New Zealand went 2-3 to finish 22nd at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Indonesia. TALL BLACKS SCHEDULE FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament - Piraeus, Greece July 3, 2024: vs Croatia, (3.30am, July 4 NZ Time) July 4, 2024: vs Slovenia (3.30am, July 5 NZ Time) FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying February 22, 2024: vs Chinese Taipei (away), WON 89-69 February 25, 2024: vs Hong Kong (Auckland), WON 88-49 November 21, 2024: vs Philippines (away), time and venue TBC November 25, 2024: vs Chinese Taipei (Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch), 7pm February 20, 2025: vs Hong Kong (away), time and venue TBC February 23, 2025: vs Philippines (New Zealand), time and venue TBC August 5-17, 2025: FIBA Asia Cup (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), time and venue TBC

Otago Nuggets guard Tai Webster has been suspended one game for his on-court actions against the Wellington Saints. Webster appeared to strike Saints import Lat Mayen in the head during an altercation during their Round 3 National Basketball League (NBL) game at Dunedin's Edgar Centre on Saturday. LATEST HEADLINES:  * NZ Warriors starters back for Dragons clash * Jordie Barrett stays with NZR past World Cup * Kimiora Poi hits 100 in Tactix win over Steel  * Nick Cassidy challenges Formula E leaders  * Andrews makes winning return to the track The former Tall Blacks and NZ Breakers guard took the early plea and will serve his suspension on Thursday when the Nuggets face the Franklin Bulls in a top-of-the-table clash at 'The Stockyard' in Pukehohe. Webster was involved in an incident with Mayen with 8:30 minutes remaining in the first quarter. The 28-year-old put his shoulder forcefully into Mayen's chest while chasing Izayah Le'afa around a screen, the pair appeared to exchange words before Webster lashed out, making contact with Mayen's head with his forearm. The incident was referred by the referee manager, and it was determined by the Leagues Game Review Commissioner that his action was a classifiable offence as outlined in the tribunal policy. “While each case will be treated on its own merits, as a League, we are looking to ensure the safety of players and a key part of that will be dealing with foul or rough play resulting in contact with the head," said NBL game review commissioner Keith Binnie. "This was a key focus for the League when adapting some of the new penalty guidelines in the tribunal policy ahead of the 2024 season. "Players need to be aware of these guidelines and understand that making intentional, careless or reckless contact with another player’s head, or undertaking an act that has a significant risk of head injury, will be looked at closely and the penalty regime has been increased, as it has in many other sports for foul play resulting in contact with the head.” In two games this season, Webster has averaged 16.5 points, six rebounds and four assists for the 3-0 Nuggets.

New Zealand golfer Amelia Garvey has earned her fourth major start at the US Women’s Open, winning the pre-qualifying event in Canada. Garvey, who has previously played in the 2020, 2021, and 2023 US Women’s Open, qualified for this year’s event by shooting 69 and 71 at Vancouver Golf Club in Vancouver, British Columbia. She finished at four-under as the top qualifier. She made 10 birdies, four bogeys, and a double-bogey in her 36-hole day. The 24-year-old snapped up one of the two spots available at her qualifying event and will join Lydia Ko as the only two Kiwis in the women’s second major of the year. Ko will have the chance to win her third major and earn the final point she needs to be inducted into the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame at the tournament from May 30-June 2 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The battle of the playmakers looms as the highlight ahead of the NZ Warriors’ clash with the St George Illawarra Dragons. The Warriors will look to bounce back from last week’s draw with Manly in the Round 7 NRL match at Wollongong’s WIN Stadium on Friday night (kick-off 8pm NZ Time). LATEST HEADLINES: *Jordie Barrett stays with NZR past World Cup *Kimiora Poi hits 100 in Tactix win over Steel *Nick Cassidy challenges Formula E leaders *Andrews makes winning return to the track *3x3 Tall Blacks miss Olympics qualification Warriors maestro Shaun Johnson comes up against Ben Hunt, a man with 318 games to his name and the smarts to drive the Dragons back into the finals in 2024. Just a point separates the two mid-table teams on the NRL ladder but the NRL is predicting a possible win for the Dragons after they beat the Wests Tigers in their last match. The Warriors have just one forced change from last week, with Adam Pompey moving from 18th man to the interchange bench and Jazz Tevaga dropping out due to a hamstring injury. The clash will mark a special moment for prop Mitchell Barnett, who will be making his 150th NRL appearance after joining the club last season following 126 games for the Newcastle Knights and two for the Canberra Raiders. His milestone comes two weeks after centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s 200th game, while more big moments loom for fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and second-rower Kurt Capewell. Nicoll-Klokstad plays his 99th match this week, Watene-Zelezniak his 196th and Capewell his 145th . Included on the extended bench were Zyon Maiu’u, Taine Tuaupiki, Ali Leiataua, Edward Kosi and Paul Roache. NZ WARRIORS: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Rocco Berry, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Marcelo Montoya, Te Maire Martin, Shaun Johnson, Addin Fonua-Blake, Wayde Edga, Mitchell Barnett, Jackson Ford, Kurt Capewell, Tohu Harris. Interchange: Chanel Harris-Tavita, Tom Ale, Jacob Laban, Adam Pompey, Zyon Maiu'u, Taine Tuaupiki, Ali Leiataua, Edward Kosi, Paul Roache

Hurricanes back Jordie Barrett has become the first All Black to commit to play for New Zealand Rugby beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The 27-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal that will see him aligned with NZR, the Hurricanes and Taranaki until the end of 2028. LATEST HEADLINES:   * Kimiora Poi hits 100 in Tactix win over Steel * Nick Cassidy challenges Formula E leaders   * Andrews makes winning return to the track   * 3x3 Tall Blacks miss Olympics qualification   * Kiwi Ryan Fox fades further at The Masters “I’m very proud of the way the All Blacks went at the last World Cup but there is still a burning desire to go one better at the next one,” Barrett said. “And I’m enjoying the way things are going in Wellington with the Hurricanes. I can’t wait to get into a new World Cup cycle and be really energised by it.” The length of the contract also signals Barrett’s interest in potentially playing against the British and Irish Lions who are set to tour New Zealand in 2029. “Jordie’s commitment to the All Blacks shows his passion and loyalty for the jersey,” said All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. “We are proud he has shown that by signing for this length of time.” NZR CEO Mark Robinson added: “Jordie has already shown he is world class, so to see the way he is setting himself up for further growth as a player and a person is exciting. He’s looking to build a lasting legacy and we are here to help make it happen.” As part of the contract extension, Barrett will play a short stint in Ireland after his New Zealand commitments are over for 2024. Starting in December he will spend six months at Leinster, returning to a place that has strong connections to the Barrett family. In 2000, Barrett and his family moved to County Meath when his father Kevin, a former Hurricanes and Taranaki lock, took up an offer to play professional rugby in Athlone while also managing a farm. The relationships built during that period give this trip extra meaning for the 57-Test All Black who has set a goal of growing his game with a team that has provided the bulk of Ireland’s national squad for years. “It’s a special place for the Barrett family,” he said. “We’ve got so many great family connections in Oldcastle, in County Meath and throughout Dublin. To have an opportunity to go back and meet some family and friends and connections that were made twenty years ago is pretty cool.” Kevin and wife Robyn spent 15 months in County Meath with their six children - Kane, Beauden, Scott, Blake, Jordie and Jenna (daughters Ella and Zara were born after they moved back home to New Zealand). When living in Ireland, the siblings attended St. Fiach’s National School in Ballinacree. Beauden and Scott have visited in recent years, while Jordie is looking forward to similar experiences. “I’m certainly grateful to New Zealand Rugby – the Hurricanes are sending me off with their best wishes and are very excited which is awesome – and obviously to Razor for signing off. “It’s going to be a great place for me to develop as a rugby player in a different environment where I’ll learn so many different things. And also to have a freshen up going into another World Cup cycle and some great years ahead with the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Taranaki. “As a whole, I think this move is going to be really challenging, but a positive challenge. Heading north to different conditions, different teams, different referees - I think it will open my game up, make me see the game differently and I’ll ultimately bring the best bits back to New Zealand rugby and into a Test jersey, ideally, at the end of it. “The reality of being a professional athlete is that you’ve only got a small window to have these opportunities and I’d love to be sitting there in twenty or thirty years with my kids or grandkids, knowing that I left no stone unturned, and I took up this opportunity to better myself.” Robertson has worked alongside Barrett and Leinster’s high-performance staff, to work through a plan for the six-month stint. “Jordie was very clear from the start around the fact that he wanted to use this sabbatical to improve his game,” said Robertson. “We will help him achieve that while making sure he is looked after mentally and physically. After months of discussions and collaboration with Leinster, we feel they are the right club to do that. They have a proven track record of creating internationals and helping players achieve their goals. “We know this will be hugely beneficial for Jordie as a person and as a player.” Robinson added: “It’s pleasing to see the amount of work that has been put into making sure this arrangement is beneficial for everyone involved. One of the key things about a sabbatical is that you return feeling good about your mental and physical state. It’s clear this trip is about more than the rugby for Jordie so we are genuinely happy for him.”

Mt Maunganui’s Bay Boardriders have defended their title at the 2024 New Zealand Boardrider Club Championships at Whangamata in a come-from-behind effort. Their performance earns the club the right to represent New Zealand at the Usher Cup World Club Challenge being held on the Gold Coast in January 2025. In an epic day of surfing contested in a building 1.5m – 2.0m swell and perfect offshore winds, Bay Boardriders found themselves trailing frontrunners Keyhole Boardriders going into the all-important tag team division on the final day. Despite playing catch up, the talent-laden team went about their work in the teams event progressing through to the final and holding on for a well-deserved win. LATEST HEADLINES: Jordie Barrett stays with NZR past World Cup Kimiora Poi hits 100 in Tactix win over Steel Nick Cassidy challenges Formula E leaders Andrews makes winning return to the track 3x3 Tall Blacks miss Olympics qualification “This means a lot to our club” said captain Owen Barnes.  “We went to the Usher Cup this year and got a taste of that event, competing with clubs from around the world and we wanted to come here this weekend and defend our title against some tough competition and we did that.  Now we get to give the international stage another shot next year,” he added. “This win is much more than the five surfers standing up here.  The win is supported by all those club members that came up to Whangamata this weekend to support the team and to all those that put in the effort in the background to keep our club on the top of our game,” said Barnes. The Bay Boardriders Team posted a 32.87 point heat total in the tag team final exiting the water with just under four minutes to go.  That left two teams within striking distance of the win and a chance to knock the defending champions off their perch as the clock ran down. First time participants Tairua Boardriders stunned the field on the way to the final and were left requiring a 7.4 point ride for the win but came up short and the young team had to settle for a respectable runner-up finish. Point Boardriders the 20222 champions from Raglan needed a 5.85 point ride for the win on their final wave but also came up short as the swell built and made life tough for each team’s final surfer. The score proved too much for Point Boardriders and they finished in third place ahead of host team Whangamata who had the wheels fall off in the final after a big day of action and they finished in fourth place unable to make it back to the team tents before the final hooter sounded. Earlier in the day, it was Piha’s Keyhole Boardriders that set the pace winning the open men’s and women’s divisions courtesy of Elliot Paerata-Reid and Leia Millar.  However, they took a shock exit in the semifinals of the tag team to dash their title hopes. Whangamata claimed the over-40 men’s division through Jos Kennings and Bay Boardriders picked up their sole individual title thanks to Tai Murphy in the under-18 boys. Paerata-Reid claimed his second straight Highest Heat Score Award with another perfect 10-point ride in the first round of the tag team. NZ BOARDRIDER CHAMPIONSHIPS Team Standings 1, Bay Boardriders, 7628 2, Tairua Boardriders, 6615 3, Point Boardriders, 6245 4, Keyhole Boardriders, 6230 5, Whangamata Boardriders, 5795 6, Oakura Boardriders, 5530 7, Waihi Beach Boardriders, 5343 8, North Coast Boardriders, 4933 9, Lion Rock Boardriders, 4610 10, Maori Bay Boardriders, 4591

The Wellington Saints have regrouped from their first loss of the National Basketball League (NBL) with a rout on the road. The Saints, coming off a loss to the Otago Nuggets, built a 14-point lead in the first quarter and cruised to a 100-75 victory over the winless Southland Sharks at Invercargill's ILT Stadium Southland on Monday night. LATEST HEADLINES: * Kimiora Poi hits 100 in Tactix win over Steel * Nick Cassidy challenges Formula E leaders * Andrews makes winning return to the track * 3x3 Tall Blacks miss Olympics qualification * Kiwi Ryan Fox fades further at The Masters Tall Blacks and Saints forward Hyrum Harris was on a triple-double watch, scoring a team-high 21 points (10/16 FG) to go with seven rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. National teammate Izayah Le'afa finished with 20 points (6/12 FG, 4/9 3pt, 4/4 FT), five assists and five steals, Ben Ayre had 17 points (5/9 FG, 5/8 3pt) and five assists, Lat Mayen 15 points (5/9 FG, 2/5 3pt) and Malik Benlevi 10 points (4/5 FG). In contrast, the Sharks were a one-man band as American forward LaGerald Vick had a game-high 32 points (12/21 FG, 4/7 3pt, 4/4 FT) and four steals. Marcale Lotts contributed nine points and six rebounds, Scott Telfer nine points and Callum McRae eight points and six board for the Sharks, who committed 23 turnovers, which led directly to 30 points for the Saints. The Saints never trailed in the game, and quickly built a 14-point lead in the first quarter as Le'afa, Ayre and Mayen all hit threes. They maintained that up until the first break but the Sharks hit back early in the second, with balanced scoring during a 14-3 run cutting the lead to three. It was all Saints from there, with a 16-2 stretch, culminating in Benlevi and Mayen triples, giving them a 17-point lead early in the third period and 14 straight points early in the fourth turning the game into a blowout. In Week 4, the Saints (3-1) return to the Capital to face the Taranaki Airs (2-1) on Sunday (tip-off 6.30pm), while the Sharks (0-4) will look to end their four-game losing streak at the Auckland Tuatara (3-2) on Friday (tip-off 7.30pm). Wellington Saints 100 (Hyrum Harris 21, Izayah Le'afa 20, Ben Ayre 17, Lat Mayen 15, Malik Benlevi 10) Southland Sharks 75 (LaGerald Vick 32). 1Q: 28-14, HT: 46-32, 3Q: 77-60

Led by new centurion Kimiora Poi, the Mainland Tactix have subdued an injury-stricken Southern Steel 52-35 in the first South Island Derby of the 2024 ANZ Premiership. There were debuts and milestones across the court, with the most notable Tactix captain Poi notching up her 100th national league game in their opening match of the season at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena. LATEST HEADLINES: * Nick Cassidy challenges Formula E leaders * Andrews makes winning return to the track * 3x3 Tall Blacks miss Olympics qualification * Gaze battles to third at UCI MTB World Cup * Kiwi Ryan Fox fades further at The Masters The Steel’s losing streak stretched out to 18 games, as their injury woes continued – without their former captain Shannon Saunders (knee), and their current captain Kate Heffernan only playing the first half (ankle). While the Tactix, who finished fourth last season, had patches of dominant play, particularly in the first 30 minutes, they showed they have work to do if they are to win their first Premiership title. But to their credit, they also took advantage of the new tactical change rule and made more than 20 positional switches during the match. Although it was a nervous start for both sides, the Steel had fewer answers to disrupt a stronger Tactix attack. With Poi directing play into shooters Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jess Allan (making her debut for the Mainland side), they quickly established a 7-1 lead. A Steel shooting combination light on national league experience, Grace Namana and Georgia Heffernan, found it tough getting their hands to ball snapped up by the most-practiced defensive pairing in the competition, Jane Watson and Karin Burger (the match MVP who ended the game with four intercepts). The 11-4 scoreline at the first break was a double-blow to the Steel – their lowest opening quarter score in their national league history. Tactix stalwart Ellie Bird – called into her old side as injury cover – took the court at the start of the second spell, and to the delight of her fans in the crowd, also racked up her 100th Premiership game. She had no trouble getting back to her old shooting ways, ending up with 24 from 30 attempts. The Steel were almost caught static on attack, making it easier for the Tactix to cut off any flow. When they brought on young wing attack Grace Southby they gained some fluidity. But still Burger and Watson too often anticipated their movements, and the home side led 25-14 at halftime. The Steel finally fell into a rhythm on attack in the third quarter, and their defence, anchored by the seasoned Abby Lawson (nee Erwood) and debutant South African international Jeanté Strydom, made it more complex for the Tactix to work the ball into the circle. But the Tactix pulled away again just before the spell ended, and went into the final 15 minutes up 39-25. Tactix coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek took the opportunity to bring on new blood, with young Australian shooter Charlie Bell – called over from the Sunshine Coast to cover for the injured Aliyah Dunn – taking the court; the 1.96m goal shoot pairing up Selby-Rickit for a brief appearance. Neither side’s shooting statistics were truly impressive – the Steel on 85 percent, and the Tactix 74 percent ­– and Namana’s contribution of 22 from 25 (88 percent) was the most solid individual performance under the hoop. Mainland Tactix 52 (Ellie Bird 24/30, Te Paea Selby-Rickit 21/29, Jess Allan 5/8, Charlie Bell 2/3) Southern Steel 35 (Grace Namana 22/25, Georgia Heffernan 11/14, Martina Salmon 2/2). 1Q: 11-4, HT: 25-14, 3Q: 39-25

New Zealand sprint cyclist Ellesse Andrews made a strong return from injury to win the keirin and finish runner-up in the individual sprint at the UCI Track Nations Cup in Canada. It was the first competition for the keirin world champion following a shoulder injury from a fall during the opening Nations Cup in Adelaide in early February. LATEST HEADLINES: * 3x3 Tall Blacks miss Olympics qualification * Gaze battles to third at UCI MTB World Cup * Kiwi Ryan Fox fades further at The Masters * Tuatara bounce back in NBL; Bulls top Jets * Pulse stave off Stars in netball's Premiership Andrews made the trek to Milton, British Columbia, in search of much-needed competition as she returns to full training in preparation for the Paris Olympics. On Saturday (Sunday NZ Time), the 24-year-old qualified seventh in the sprint before beating Belgian Julie Nicholaes in the first round; Frenchwoman Taky Kouame in the second; local Canadian star Lauriane Genest in the quarterfinal in two rides and Dutch former world championship medallist Hetty van de Wouw in the deciding third ride in the semifinal. Andrews was beaten in two rides in the sprint final by 2022 world champion Frenchwoman Mathilde Gros. On Sunday (Monday NZT), Andrews, sporting the world champion’s rainbow stripes in the keirin, was forced into the repechage to progress, and qualified for the final after finishing third in her semifinal race. Andrews showed her class in the final, pushing to an early lead from the back before being overtaken with a lap-and-a-half remaining. The Kiwi pushed back to reclaim the lead down the back straight on the final lap, and had too much speed for Dutch rider Steffie van der Peet in the sprint finish. “It was Ellesse’s first keirin ride since November last year. With her crash and six weeks out, we did not really know what to expect this weekend. To come away with a win was really reassuring and such a great confidence-builder with Paris three and a half months away,” said coach Jon Andrews. “It was never in the original plan to come here. It was super important to be here to get some racing under her belt and to get some confidence back. It does shake you after a crash and Ellesse is no different. “It was hugely beneficial to be here to get some racing and build some confidence back. “We return tomorrow and straight back into training. Ellesse is in good shape but has lost time with her injuries and we have a lot of work to do. Ellesse is now super motivated to get back to where she should be and to really challenge as hard as she can for Paris.” The New Zealand track team for the Paris Olympics is expected to be named late next month.