JUNEE Gems played a fantastic game, going goal-for-goal, but unfortunately were defeated by Kooringal 37-27.
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JUNEE Jewels 28, defeated Kooringal, 25, and now move through into the grand final.
In the second game of the season Jewels lost, 20-5, to this same Kooringal team, but have only lost one game since starting the season, 2-2.
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STORM B Grade faced their first finals match against Ag College Pink to come away with a tight but exciting win.
The girls came out with guns blazing. Madi Harpley shot some very impressive goals despite an ankle injury. Jacinta Cooper was reliable as ever in GA.
Sarah Stevens and Leigh Fitzgerald were relentless in defending the circle, and Josie Drum also assisted in GK, as well as WD where she stayed tight all game.
Jess Barclay and Ella Fitzgerald provided handy assistance in WA. In centre and WD, Georgie Turner and Elise Drum also drove hard to make sure options were open for Storm’s 36-31 victory. The girls will have to win again next week to make the grand final.
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THE Giants, playing their first final, had a nervous start, but regrouped and had an outstanding second quarter, scoring seven goals to storm back into the match, trailing 10-8 at the main break. The third quarter was an arm wrestle, with both teams unable to consistently string together passes in the face of intense defence.
Unfortunately, at 11-8 down going into the final quarter, the Giants couldn’t quite sustain the incredible effort they had put in for three quarters. Making the finals in itself was an amazing achievement for the Giants. Not one of the girls played on a team that won a game last year.
The four younger girls, Poppy, Sophie, Lucy and Scarlett, all played their best netball in the final, finding a way to shine despite the quality of the opposition. Poppy’s three quarters at centre in particular reflected her remarkable growth through the season.
Of the girls who were in the correct age group, Miah and Zoe were in just their second season of netball and made important contributions throughout the season at both ends of the court. Their performance in the final game was a real credit to both of them and the effort they have put in throughout the season.
Kara missed her defensive mate Jorja in the final, particularly when passing out of the defensive third, as they had built a strong combination in the latter part of the season. Kara battled against a very talented opponent and did really well to more than hold her own for three quarters.
Last, but not certainly not least, Jocie again led the way again with her play at GA, to cap off an outstanding season. Final score, Nixon’s 20 d Giants 10.
