The Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Netball Association hosted a big weekend of netball finals at Keith and Kybybolite.
Keith hosted the second semi finals on Saturday, with the first semi finals at Kyby the following day.
A Grade Mundulla 36 def Keith 26
Saturday’s match began with high defensive pressure, making both teams work for every ball. The first quarter ended level which continued into the second quarter. Multiple turnovers created long gaps between scoring. Mundulla kept their defensive game up and fixed a few errors, helping them pull away in the third. Keith tried to make several changes to counteract Mundulla’s game, however it was not enough to catch up. Full court defensive pressure created a low scoring game with Mundulla winning 36 to 26. Best players were Casey Bernhardt (Mundulla) and Sophie Makin (Keith)
A Reserve Keith 50 def Mundulla 49
It was a nervous start for both teams with everyone having to adjust to the weather. There was plenty of back and forth play in the second quarter, however Mundulla were able to settle to take a five goal lead at half time. Keith sent Brigette Clark into GS which allowed them to take a four goal lead at three quarter time. Scores were level for the entire fourth quarter with Keith winning by one goal at the final siren. Best players were Fiona Evans (Keith) and Mia Dowling (Mundulla).
C Grade Keith 39 def Penola 38
Penola suffered a narrow loss in the C Grade. Keith’s pressure down the court, combined with accurate shooting, gave them a five goal head start. Penola worked hard in the second quarter to claw back the gap. Penola’s shooters were able to capitalise on turnovers, keeping them in the game throughout the third quarter. The pressure got to both teams with a low scoring quarter. There were a few changes from both teams heading into the last quarter where Keith won by one goal with 20 seconds to go. Best players were Jessica Turnbull (Keith) and Aimee Lepley (Penola).
Division 1 Border Districts 55 def Naracoorte – 41
Both teams started the game with intensity and the first quarter was evenly matched. In the start of the second quarter, Borders came out strong with the mid court working well and the shooting very accurate, taking a comfortable lead at half time. The third quarter was evenly matched with good pressure on both sides. Naracoorte fought back in the last quarter but Borders were too strong. Best players were Mackenzie Burke (Borders) and Abby Anderson (Naracoorte).
Division 2 Penola 37 def Naracoorte – 30
Penola came out strong in the first quarter, earning themselves a six goal lead over Naracoorte. Thanks to some tactical subs by Naracoorte they fought back hard winning the second quarter and drawing the third. Georgie Midwinter kept Naracoorte’s midcourt steady and controlled, but some tight defensive pressure by Penola’s Lily Hackwill saw Penola through the game, finishing seven up at the final siren. Best players were Lily Hackwill (Penola) and Georgie Midwinter (Naracoorte).
B Grade Naracoorte – 38 def Penola 34
Penola and Naracoorte were able to play inside, with the sides having a good first quarter, the only the difference being accurate shooting from Penola. Penola made positional changes at the quarter break, bringing Finch into centre and moving Moore into WD. Naracoorte moved the ball out of defence into attack well, with quick ball movement but Penola’s defence made it hard for Naracoorte to convert. Penola moved Moore back into centre which proved beneficial. Experienced players Durand and Riley were solid for Naracoorte and Riley’s feeding into her goalies was precise. Naracoorte started the third quarter stronger of the two teams, but Penola’s circle defenders, especially Clayfield, never gave away an easy shot. Junior Mott subbed into GA for Naracoorte but Penola lifted across the entire court to be up by two at three quarter time. Three minutes into the last quarter, Naracoorte hit the front for the first time. The two Evies in Naracoorte’s goal circle played extremely well in the last, but the score board pressure that Naracoorte put on Penola forced some mistakes to allow Naracoorte to win by four. Best players were Catherine Ledo (Naracoorte) and Keryn Moore (Penola).
13 & Under A Mundulla 39 def Keith 37
In a very talented display of junior netball, Mundulla came out firing to lead by five at the first break. Keith made a comeback late in the second after being down by as much as seven. Keith made many positional changes and fought back but were unable to hold off a strong Mundulla. Best players were Willa Durbidge (Mundulla) and Isabel McLeay (Keith).
A Grade Penola 43 def Naracoorte – 41
On Sunday, Penola’s A Grade side held on for a narrow win over Naracoorte, 43-41. It was a hotly contested game with both teams struggling to find a target in the wind. Both teams brought high intensity defence, turning the ball over frequently. In the end Penola managed to keep a cool head to get the win in a tight finish. Best players were Riley Buckingham (Penola) and Belinda Manser (Naracoorte).
A Reserve Penola 53 def Naracoorte – 48
Penola came out with poise and confidence, stealing away to a comfortable lead in the first seven minutes of the quarter. Naracoorte fought hard to come back to trail by two. Both teams came out firing in the first half of the second quarter. Penola capitalised on some crucial intercepts. Naracoorte’s change in the attack line saw them come back strong to trail by three at the end of the second quarter. Naracoorte’s defensive pressure was incredible in the second half of the quarter, winning back some critical goals. Both teams showed fierce determination but Penola valued their turnovers and were unwilling to allow Naracoorte back into their gentle flow of the game. Penola retained a comfortable lead throughout the third quarter with minimal misses from their goalies to be up by four. Naracoorte came out firing to get back within one goal down during the first half of the quarter. Penola kept the lead to finish, winning by five. Best players were Karly Honner (Penola) and Belinda Sinclair (Naracoorte).
Division 1 Keith 46 def Bordertown 32
Bordertown came out fast in the opening quarter, however Keith steadied and capitalised from their turnovers to take the lead into the first break. Bordertown again got the jump in the second stanza with Keith making the most of their opportunities to increase their lead. Keith had strong defensive pressure throughout the whole game which made it hard for Bordertown to break their run. A solid second half from Keith gave them a comfortable win. Best players were Tori Evans (Keith) and Alekza Meakins (Bordertown).
Division 2 Padthaway 41 def Bordertown 16
In extremely trying windy conditions the Padthaway girls got an early lead and continued to strengthen during the game to take a dominant lead. The Bordertown girls did not give up but it was Padthaway’s day. Best players were Eliza Ward (Padthaway) and Sienna Lusher (Bordertown).
B Grade Keith 47 def Lucindale 33
Keith started strong, finding a few turnover opportunities early in the first quarter, however Lucindale held strong with their defence. Keith had strong attacking and passing to win the second quarter. Lucindale’s pressure came off in the third period, giving Keith the advantage to win the quarter again. Lucindale began the final quarter strong but Keith held their ground and came out with the win with a 14 goal margin. Best players were Paige Jones (Keith) and Jessica Legoe (Lucindale).
C Grade Bordertown 37 def Naracoorte – 30
Naracoorte started strongly as Bordertown took a while to settle due to nerves. Bordertown shot a high percentage to be five goals up at the first break. In the second quarter Bordertown capitalised on Naracoorte’s errors to extend their lead by two at half time. Bordertown took five minutes to score at the beginning of the third due to great Naracoorte pressure. Great defensive pressure from both sides was a feature of the third. Naracoorte won the quarter but Bordertown held a five goal lead going into the last. Bordertown settled in the last quarter despite intense defensive pressure from Naracoorte to win by seven goals. Best players were Annette McDonald (Bordertown) and Kirby Bell (Naracoorte).
13 & Under A Bordertown 34 def Penola 17
Bordertown had great defensive pressure on the centre passes but both sides displayed defensive pressure throughout the first quarter. In the second quarter play became a little bit rushed by both teams however Bordertown had more opportunity to score and capitalised when needed. Both teams provided back up support chasing the loose balls. The game had very intensive defence with lots of intercepts by both teams. Penola lost confidence in the shooting circle which provided the turnovers for Bordertown to take a strong win. Best players were Zelie Phillips (Bordertown) and Emilia Copping (Penola).
