Southern Hoiho Women 84–81 Tokomanawa Queens
Southern Hoiho Women defeated Tokomanawa Queens 84–81 in the Tauihi tournament on October 11, 2026. The hosts finished ahead in what proved to be a closely contested affair between two of the league's more established sides.
By then Southern Hoiho sat fourth in the standings with twelve games played, seven wins and five defeats. They had arrived in decent form, winning their last two outings before this fixture — 78–66 against Northern Kahū Women and 67–59 over Mid-North Wai Women.
Tokomanawa Queens, meanwhile, led the table with eight victories from twelve matches and four losses. Their recent run had been less convincing, including a heavy 77–114 defeat to Mainland Pouakai and a 69–75 loss to Northern Kahū Women in the preceding fixtures.
And here's the thing — the margin of three points suggested a game where momentum could shift either way. Tokomanawa had the higher profile in the standings but could not impose their advantage, while Southern Hoiho saw the game out after maintaining pressure throughout.
To be fair, the result keeps the gap between first and fourth place intact. Tokomanawa remain on top with eight wins, while Southern Hoiho's seventh victory leaves them five games off the lead. Neither side's position changed dramatically, but the character of the performance may have.
The visitors had not won since their 88–72 victory over Northern Kahū Women in December, and this defeat extends that run. Southern Hoiho, by contrast, appear to have found some rhythm, even if they cannot afford another slip as the season progresses.
