Match reports from the netball Elimination Finals in the Bendigo FL.17/U ELIMINATION FINAL
EAGLEHAWK V MARYBOROUGH
1st Quarter 11 v 10
Half time 19 v 23
3rd Quarter 32 v 31
Final score 40 v 37
Maryborough’s young guns bowed out of the finals race in a hotly contested elimination final against Eaglehawk on Saturday afternoon. The first quarter was an even contest with both teams’ goalers displaying accuracy in the goal circle.
Maryborough wrested the lead from the Hawks in the second quarter exercising tremendous pressure the length of the court. Olivia O’Shea’s goaling was a highlight.
Eaglehawk regained its equilibrium in the third quarter and with precision use of the ball managed to once again lead at the final break. The clouds that hovered over the QEO rained down and the game became a little sloppy. Eaglehawk was the first to adjust to the wet conditions and through the stable play of Shelby Thatcher and Amy Jackman in goals managed to maintain the lead to hold on for a win.
B GRADE QUALIFYING FINAL
KANGAROO FLAT V STRATHFIELDSAYE
1st Quarter 10 v 6
Half time 24 v 10
3rd Quarter 33 v 16
Final Score 38 v 34
Kangaroo Flat only just managed to hold off a fast finishing Strathfieldsaye in the B Grade qualifying final. Kangaroo Flat shot out of the blocks early leaving the Storm in their wake. Through the accuracy of goal shooting dynamo, Cassie Spears, Kangaroo Flat led by 14 goals at half time.
Though the intensity of the game slowed in the third quarter Kangaroo Flat was still too good for the Storm with Kris Fitzpatrick and Bec Connaughton the better players. Displaying the tenacity that we had seen through the home and away series, the Storm made a more concerted effort with their ball usage. Goal keeper Alicia Martin took a number of intercepts in the defensive circle giving her teammates the opportunity to move into the attack. The Storm’s Alyce Huggard shot 16 of her team’s 18 last quarter goals but it wasn’t enough to beat Kangaroo Flat.
A RESERVE – ELIMINATION FINAL
EAGLEHAWK V STRATHFIELDSAYE
1st Quarter 11 v 12
Half time 20 v 19
3rd Quarter 31 v 29
4th Quarter 40 v 40
Time On 49 v 47
Eaglehawk secured a first semi final berth after defeating Strathfieldsaye in extra time on. The score seesawed constantly for the first three quarters with accurate goaling a highlight considering the pressure being applied by the defenders. In the fourth quarter Strathfieldsaye gained a slight lead which in a rush of three goals Eaglehawk pegged back to level the game at 40-40. With one minute left on the clock, Strathfieldsaye’s centre, Nicole Bunn called for injury time. Resuming play, neither team was able to gain the ascendency forcing the match into extra time.
Strathfieldsaye scored successive goals which Eaglehawk responded to immediately. Strathfieldsaye’s goal shooter had a shot at goal but was beaten by the clock. Both teams had a number of opportunities to seal the game but when the score was once again locked as a draw at the end of extra time, play continued on. Eaglehawk scored on a penalty shot and when it gained possession of the ball in its defensive third it shot ahead to a two goal advantage to win the match.
A GRADE – ELIMINATION FINAL
GOLDEN SQUARE V MARYBOROUGH
10 v 9
24 v 19
36 v 28
44 v 43
Under the QEO lights the first term of the A Grade elimination final was an even tussle. Maryborough’s Laura Clarkson was outstanding in goal attack combining well with her coach Cindy Cossar in centre to relay the ball to Jordan Macilwain in goals.
Golden Square was a much stronger outfit in the second stanza with goal defender Erica Schippers a constant threat to the Maryborough attack. Coach Lia Marrone at wing attack led by example by being an option throughout the mid court play.
Golden Square led by five goals at half time forcing Maryborough to make changes to its original line up. Alicia Cassidy came on at wing attack moving Jess Fuller to centre. Though Maryborough had good passages of play it did not show on the scoreboard. Golden Square played steady netball in its attack causing Maryborough’s defenders to be a step behind. Lucy Spalding was exceptional in and around the goal circle. Her work rate in the mid court complemented her team mates and Golden Square extended its lead to eight goals at the last break.
Goals were at a premium early on in the last quarter as neither team was prepared to force the ball into attack. Maryborough’s Cossar was once again in centre providing more direction on court to her team mates. The Magpies scored a couple of goals quickly and when Clarkson rebounded on a long shot at goal and scored again so did Macilwain soon after and the margin had been reduced to four goals, 41 – 37. A held ball by Golden Square on a centre pass enabled Maryborough to score two successive goals and the Magpies were storming home. A Schippers deflection in the goal circle saved Golden Square from the Magpies onslaught and a goal by Jody Richards gave her team a two goal buffer. With very little time left on the clock, Maryborough scored on a penalty shot to finish the match 44-43.
By Kylie Ellis
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