Otane Sports coach Annemarie Kupa heaped kudos on her defensive unit after tonight's clash of two unbeaten teams in Hawke's Bay's Super 8 premier club netball competition.

"It took us a while to get going. But our through court defence was on point. We smothered them in the midcourt and made our opposition go wide," Kupa said after Thirsty Whale Otane Sports (pictured above celebrating after last year's final) fifth round 58-34 victory over BM Accounting HHSOG Huia at Woodford House.

Kupa said new goal keep Stacey Chandler, who has transferred to the Bay from Dunedin, combined well with Briar Chalmers in the defensive circle and wing defence Demi Forshaw was full of authority in her space.

Goal shoot Mia Reeves and goal attack Melissa Te Huki combined well in the attacking circle. Kupa pointed out wing attack Felicity Potae, who has transferred from Outkast Sports, has added spark to the defending champions.

"Felicity is always available and provides some beautiful feeds. All of our players are combining well with the newcomers and with our strong bench we are able to maintain continuity," Kupa explained.

"Because Huia play the one on one style compared with the other teams who play the open running game we had to work to get the ball," Kupa added.

Huia coach, retired Silver Ferns shooting legend Irene van Dyk (pictured below), said her troops were competitive during the first two quarters but the third quarter let them down.

"Otane are a slick outfit," van Dyk said.

Abbey Green, who had shifts at shooter and goal keep and midcourter and captain Jade Champion (pictured below leading her team out, photo Leeanne Jude) performed well for Huia.

The other early game saw newcomers Three Wise Birds HHSOG Kereru post their first win with a 46-40 upset over HGHS Senior A at Sacred Heart College. Crystal Kavana was classy in the shooting circle for Kereru.

In her first game back from injury Raewyn Parahi combined well with Catrina O'Connell in Kereru's defensive circle. HGHS Senior A goal shoot Peta Heather improved her percentage from previous weeks and secured two intercepts on defence.

Goal attack Breezyn Ioane also operated well in the HGHS Senior A team's attacking circle.

"Kereru's superior experience was the difference between the two teams. They were more street smart than our girls but we will aim for revenge in the second round ... lucky there is two rounds," HGHS Senior A coach Jamie Richardson said.    

The late game at Sacred Heart College saw RDCL Outkast Sports register their second win of the season with a 43-41 victory over NGHS Senior A.

The late game at Woodford House saw Tremains All In Elusive beat Vet Services Central Sports. Goal shoot Kathleen Nahora produced a player-of-the-match display for All In.

Wing attack in the last quarter, Briah McGrail-Timms, and goal attack in the third quarter Sequoila Collier provided quality impact in their respective debuts for All In. They were promoted from the club's premier grade side.