Penola’s A Grade netball side had a narrow loss on the eve of finals, going down by four goals to Border Districts in the final home and away round of the KNTNA.
The Eagles matched it with the visitors in the first quarter, down by one at the first break, 13-14.
The second quarter was a tightly-contested affair with neither side able to break away. Both teams scored 14 goals, leaving the Eagles still down by one at the main break.
Penola used the break to reset and came out firing in the third quarter, outscoring Border Districts 15-12 to head into the final stanza up by two.
However, Border Districts were not done, suffocating the Eagles’ scoring opportunities while making the most of their own.
Borders outscored Penola 14-8 in the final term to claim the win by four.
Defenders Riley Buckingham and Hannah Klemm were best on court for the Eagles, who finished the season in third position, with Border Districts just behind in fourth.
The Eagles will travel to Kingston this weekend to play Keith in the first qualifying final.
Meanwhile, Penola’s A Reserve side finished the season as minor premiers in the KNT competition, consolidating top spot with a win over Border Districts on Saturday.
After a close contest last week, Penola were determined to put their best foot forward heading into finals – and they did.
The Eagles hit the ground running to be up by eight at quarter time, before going on to dominate the second stanza, scoring 15 goals while keeping Borders to only five.
Jade Lythgo was outstanding yet again in defence earning best on court, well supported by Heidi Berkin who took intercepts all day.
Penola continued their dominance to eventually win by 40 goals, 67-27.
The side will now have a week off before heading to Keith for the second qualifying final on August 31.
The Division 2 side also had a good win, claiming the match 34-19 and consolidating the minor premiership.
The brief for the last game before the finals campaign begins was to go out strong, but have fun – and the Eagles nailed it.
Penola’s defence made endless turnovers all game, while the midcourt created space and drive to make the goalies’ job easier.
Tight defence in the circle by Borders made the Eagles’ goalies work hard, but their movement within the circle enabled them to capitalise on the opportunities.
Emma Gosse (Vintage Cafe) and Ava Briggs (Zambreos) were best on court for Penola.
The team will now have a week off before playing in the second qualifying final at Keith on August 31.
In other results, Penola’s Division 1 side had the narrowest of losses on Saturday, going down to undefeated minor premiers Border Districts 46-47.
The Eagles’ B Grade side finished the season as KNTNA minor premiers and will now have a week off before taking the court for the second qualifying final at Keith on August 31.
The team went down to Border Districts on Saturday, 38-56.
The C Grade team also finished as minor premiers, having smashed Border Districts on Saturday 69-8.
The Eagles now have the week off before playing in the second qualifying final at Keith.
Penola’s under 13A side had a good win on Saturday, downing Border Districts 65-23.
The side finished fifth and will play Kingston at Francis on Sunday in the elimination final.
