It was a complete team effort that got Southland over the line against Canterbury. The young combination of Julianna Naoupu and Ashleigh Smith clicked for Southland as they took an early lead in the first quarter. Southland's NZU21 defender Te Huinga Selby Rickit was a standout player and worked hard to create turnovers for her team. For Canterbury veteran goal keeper Anna Galvan and shooter Sophia Fenwick played key roles.

Counties Manukau gained their first points of the 2009 competition in fine style, with standout performances from mid-courter Megan Whitefield and circle defender Toni Rinckes. For Tasman Miriama Selby-Rickit proved effective with a limited ball supply.

With one round of divisional play to come, North have put themselves in the top four of Division 1 with a gutsy win against Otago. The southern side made the better start and established a clear lead before a couple of injury breaks in the 2nd quarter gave North a chance to re-group and lift their game. They capitalised on turnovers and broke Otago's centre passes to establish an eight-goal lead by the end of the 3rd quarter. It was a margin they needed when defender Vili Davu was sent off for three goals in the final period. Otago made the most of Davu's absence, but could not bridge the gap. North's goal attack Brigette Tapene had a very fine game, working effectively with 17-year-old goal shoot Carli Botes. Otago's shooting combination of Jo Morrison and Jodi Brown also played well, but came under intense pressure from Davu, whose impact is seen in the team shooting statistics: North 82%, Otago 78%.