A GRADE – KEITH 42 D BORDER DISTRICTS 33

After falling short at the final hurdle last year, the Keith Crows got the claws back on the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Netball Association premiership.

The tri-colours had to overcome a spirited Border Districts side in the decider at Kingston on Saturday.

It was an intense first quarter with both teams evenly matched, but Border Districts finished the term with a small two goal buffer with play remaining tight in the second term as tthe half time score was 20-19 Border Districts’ way.

Keith came out hard in the second half and increased its pressure through the centre court, making it hard for Border Districts to get the ball in to their goalies.

The Crows maintained composure under Border Districts’ fierce attempts at turning the momentum.

Keith cemented its lead with a composed final term, coming out eventual winners 42-33.

Best on court was Jess Smart, who was influential behind the Crows’ win.

A Reserves – Keith 39 D Penola 32

In tough, blustery conditions Keith got the jump on the game to be six up at the first break.

Penola made positional changes partway through the second quarter which saw them close the gap to two at half time.

A tight tussle in the third quarter saw some great netball, but Keith held on to be five up heading in to the last term.

The Crows played a controlled last quarter despite the Eagles giving it their all to claim the premiership by seven.

Keith’s Fiona Evans played formidable game to be named best on.

B Grade – Naracoorte 50 D Penola 47

Penola started strong with tight defence by Kim Wilson and Hannah Klemm before Naracoorte utilised turnovers to even up the scores and only be down by one goal at half time.

Intensity was high in the third quarter with both teams fighting for the ball as the Eagles extended their lead to three.

In the final quarter Naracoorte kept fighting and capitalised on turnovers to end the game in a thrilling draw.

In extra time the Demons were one up at the end of the seven minutes and managed to extend the lead to three in the final ‘time on’ to be eventual winners in a thrilling spectacle.

Best on court was Abby Walker, who remained composed amid the drama for Naracoorte.

C grade – Naracoorte 40 d Penola 35

First quarter showed accurate shooting from Naracoorte, taking every opportunity from turnovers by their defenders, leading by four at the first break.

Penola adjusted to the conditions to win the second quarter, while offensive pressure increased in the third quarter to create turnovers for both teams.

The Eagles rebounded strong, giving their shooters ample opportunity, but an even third quarter set up for an exciting final term.

Naracoorte centre Lily Gill produced many turnovers in the last quarter, giving the shooters more scoring opportunities, eventually leading them to win the game.

Gill was named as best on court.

Division 1 – Kingston 50 D Naracoorte 36

Avery competitive and even first quarter was played in wet and windy conditions in the Division 1 grand final.

The Kingston and Naracoorte goal shooters were shooting accurately for their respective sides.

But strong defensive pressure at both ends of the court saw the Saints win some key turnovers to be up at half time.

A confident and composed Kingston worked well as a team to consolidate its lead by the final change and after an even last quarter it was named as the winners.

Best on court was Saint Bonnie Clarke.

Division 2 – Border Districts 37 D Kingston 30

Border Districts came out strong, with its goal circle shooting with accuracy.

But there were lots of turnovers throughout the quarter and Kingston struggled to capitalise on the opportunities.

The Saints had a better second quarter and reduced the margin to be down by six at the long break.

Again, many turnovers and errors from both sides, but Borders remained calm and played a consistent game to extend its lead again.

Kingston gave it everything to come back in the final term, however Border Districts remained steady and finished victorious.

Best on court was Keely Rata in the winning side.

Division 3 – Keith 52 D Naracoorte 33

Both teams came out strong in challenging conditions as Keith took the lead early with good team play and accurate shooting.

The Crows led by five goals at the first break.

The second quarter was scrappy with both teams making passing errors in the wind.

Despite this Keith continued to finish off well leading 28-17 at the main break.

The Demons played well in the third, getting lots of intercepts to win the quarter by two goals and head into the final term down by nine.

The last quarter was a strong display from Keith pulling away to a strong win with Anna McAuley leading the way to score best on court honours.

13A – Bordertown 48 D Keith 25

Bordertown started strongly with great defense by Sophie Warren and hard work from Alekza Meakins through the midcourt feeding Mia Richards well in the shooting circle.

Keith still shot well from distance in wet and windy condition with the scoreboard reading 11-6.

The Crows capitalised on the Roosters missing a few shots early in the quarter bringing the score closer.

But then Warren made some key intercepts to send the ball into Bordertown’s attack where their goal attack shot well for a 9-7 quarter.

The Roosters led by seven goals at half time after Bordertown had a blistering quarter with Ada Blackwell moving and shooting well.

Keith still had some nice passages of play, but Bordertown won the third quarter by 10 goals.

Both teams made some changes with Keith defence working overtime, but Bordertown was too strong winning by 23 goals.

Meakins was the star performer for Bordertown.