The Penola Netball Club had mixed results during Saturday’s round of second semi finals played at Mundulla.
In the 13As Kybybolite defeated Penola 31-26. Kyby started the quarter well with strong plays to the ring.
Kyby’s Eva Tierney and Alice Redding worked the ring well to get a strong lead.
Penola worked hard to block Kyby’s mid court with great defensive pressure.
A switch in Penola’s defensive circle saw Kyby’s shooting circle under pressure.
Feeding into the ring from Penola’s Emma Gosse was sharp, leading to goals scored.
The third quarter was high scoring for both teams.
There were many intercepts from Piper Wardle from Kyby, but Penola fought hard to win the quarter.
The final quarter saw Penola take charge, outscoring Kyby.
But Kyby’s lead was too strong and they stayed composed to take out the win.
In Division 1 Penola defeated Kingston 49-41.
Kingston started well with strong mid court pressure, giving them an early run.
A break shifted momentum and Penola’s mid court connection with the GA saw them take a lead into the first break.
The defensive pressure from both sides was strong.
Unforced errors from Kingston in attack were countered with composure and accuracy by Penola who took a seven-goal lead into the major break.
The third quarter continued the trend of strong pressure all over the court and contested balls were the norm.
Accuracy in Penola’s goal ring saw them extend to 9-up.
Kingston came out hard in the fourth, relentless hustle saw them close the gap, but Penola had done the job to secure the win.
It was a nail-biting finish in the C grade, with Mundulla defeating Penola 36-35.
Some tough cards were dealt to the C grade team but they played in the best spirits.
Mundulla came out firing with tight defence and accuracy in the ring.
Lucy made some key turn overs to keep the Eagles just one behind Mundulla.
In the second quarter the girls stayed composed with Chicago keeping a nice pace through the middle.
Nerves had settled and the Eagles started to play their own game, bringing them back to a 3-goal lead at half time.
Changes were made seeing Alice Auld make a comeback and dominated like she’d never left, opening up the ring for Eva to move. Defensively Stella and Lucy worked in unison for pressure over the centre passes. Squish unfortunately stepped away from the game due to injury, making changes in the circle.
Going into the last quarter with scores even, the match went was goal for goal.
The girls fought hard and the coach could not have asked for anything more.
Mundulla took it home with a one goal lead.
In the B grade match Penola defeated Lucindale 35-31.
Lucindale came out with a strong first quarter, with some great mid court play from Mikaela Paech.
Lucindale continued to be competitive throughout the first half, making some changes coming into the second quarter.
Penola’s Lauren Moore came out firing in the third quarter, pulling in a few intercepts.
This helped Penola find their footing and ultimately won them the game.
Naracoorte defeated Penola 56-51 in the A Reserve match.
In beautiful playing conditions, Naracoorte came out firing with a 4-goal lead at quarter time.
Penola’s Kasey Venables shot accurately in the second, to make the score even at half time.
Penola’s Sally Skeer was strong through the mid court.
Naracoorte’s Jemma Kavanagh did not miss in the second half keeping her team in front at the final whistle.
The A grade side had a strong win, defeating Keith 58-36.
Penola started strong in the first quarter with accurate shooting from April Possingham and Tegan Lythgo.
Jordyn Adams and Brooke Klemm rebounded well to help take the lead out to five at the first break.
Keith clawed it back at the start of the second quarter with strong defence, however Penola responded well and stepped it up a notch taking the lead to 12 at half time.
Penola extended their lead in the third with strong defensive pressure all over the court and accurate shooting.
Keith made changes in their attack and defensive end, however the Eagles adjusted well and continued their sleek ball movement out of defence into attack.
Chelsea Galpin hustled all day making her opponent earn every ball and drove beautifully out of defence.
Tegan continued her beautiful work in the goal circle with some incredible shooting stats, shooting 27/27 for the game.
The last quarter, despite Keith’s relentless efforts, saw Penola take a strong win by 22 and earn them a spot in the grand final.
A fitting finale after a fantastic year by these very talented group of Penola netballers.
