A GRADE qualifying final – Penola 41 d Border Districts 34
The Penola Eagles soared to victory and capitalised on an opportunity to overcome Border Districts in the important Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Netball Association qualifying final at Keith on Saturday.
With the chance of fighting for a grand final berth against minor-premiers Crows on the line, the Eagles made a strong start getting the first two turns. Already down by four goals, things took a further turn for the worse for Borders when Lucy Pitt was forced off with an ankle injury. But they steadied to finish the quarter a goal ahead. Annabel Mould was pivotal in the centre creating turnovers to help Border Districts maintain its two-goal lead into the main break. However, Penola bought Sally Skeer into the middle which reinvigorated the blue and white right during an even third term.
The Eagles snatched the lead early in the last quarter and ran home to a seven-goal win. Jordyn Adams was Penola’s star, while Border Districts was led by Emma Hausler.
A GRADE elimination fina – l Lucindale 45 d Mundulla 38
Lucindale made an explosive start in the elimination final against a Mundulla team on its home court on Sunday. The Roos set the pace early but the Northern Tigers were inspired by the home crowd and rallied to cut the deficit to just one goal before the opening break.
Lucindale was accurate in the second, missing just one goal before strong rebounds created a 36-30 lead at the final break. Led by Paige Marra, Mundulla fought hard in the final term losing it by one goal in a desperate attempt to stay alive. However, the Roos were one step ahead and won by seven goals courtesy of best-on-court Trudy Lane.
A RESERVE elimination final – Lucindale 46 d Mundulla 40
The A Reserve elimination final was a mirror-image of the contest in the top grade as Lucindale edged out Mundulla. After a consistent start from both teams, the Roos crept to a three-goal lead after a couple of late turnovers. Jessica Earle was a strong presence for Lucindale, but the Northern Tigers built the pressure in the third, winning the quarter 15-9 to snatch the lead. Mia Dowling was Mundulla’s leading figure but the Roos’ defenders seized on all opportunities in the last to come from behind and win 46-40.
A RESERVE qualifying final – Naracoorte 51 d Penola 39
In a fast-paced and physical qualifying final, Naracoorte made the most of its opportunities to defeat Penola at Keith.
Thanks to Tara Millard the Eagles fought back with a strong third term.
However, the Demons’ Mott shot accurately with the help of Lucy Henschke to finish 12 goals up.
B GRADE qualifying final – Penola 43 d Naracoorte 39
Both Penola and Naracoorte made nervous starts in the B Grade qualifying but were evenly matched. Naracoorte’s Tayla Solly applied great pressure in defence making it difficult for Penola to find options in the goal circle. Wurst came on for Penola providing mid-court movement and strong drives to the circle. This supported teammate Galpin’s accurate shooting to give Penola the edge at half time. Naracoorte worked hard to turn the ball over getting to within one goal, however Penola’s Redman remained steady in the centre and Penola came away with the win.
B GRADE elimination final – Lucindale 50 d Kybybolite 45
The game started strong with a very even first quarter. Kyby started strongly in the second with Allen shooting well to be up by two at half time. Changes were made by both teams and Lucindale’s attack combination saw them up by four at the final break. Great shooting by Foreman (Lucindale) scoring 24 goals to as Lucindale won by five.
C Grade Qualifying final – Penola 37 d Mundulla 32
A nervous start by both teams, however Mundulla settled first with some accurate shooting by Jefferies and Leach, up by three at quarter time. Penola’s defence came back strong in the 2nd quarter seeing them up by two going into half time. An evenly contested third quarter saw Penola up by three at the final break time. A few changes were made by both teams going into the final quarter where Penola made a final push to win by five.
C Grade elimination final – Keith 46 d Lucindale 34
Both teams started strong with Keith holding the lead 12-8 at the first break. Lucindale fought hard in the second with some beautiful shooting from Whitehead and Walker. Both sides made numerous changes at half time, yet the centre court remained congested. Keith remained in control to win by 12.
15s qualifying final – Kingston 42 d Border Districts 37
Kingston’s strong defence caused many turnovers with Abby Mules shooting well in GS. Both teams made changes at quarter time with Borders having a few unforced errors that Kingston capitalised on. Borders circle defenders continued to work hard. Borders stepped it up in the third and held Kingston to only five goals for the quarter. In the final quarter Kingston played strong possession netball to hold on to win by five.
15s elimination final – Padthaway 49 d Naracoorte 34
Padthaway started off strong with a good lead going in to the second half. Naracoorte fought hard throughout the second half, winning the fourth quarter. Accurate shooting by Padthaway bought home the win.
13A qualifying final – Mundulla 41 d Keith 38
Keith got off to a great start with some beautiful passages of play by both teams. Mundulla had an excellent third quarter with some brilliant shooting by Mock and Moreton. McAuley shifted into Centre for Keith in the last quarter and had an immediate impact. Mundulla managed to hold on to be winners by three.
13A Elimination final – Border Districts 43 d Bordertown 38
Bordertown started strongly being up by seven at half time but Border Districts came out firing with a big turnaround in the third quarter. Mahney and Burke (Border Districts) shot well, Blackwell (Bordertown) moved and shot well throughout, however Rata (Border Districts) made it difficult getting plenty of turnovers and driving well down the court.
JuniorS Div 1 QUALIFYING FINAL – Keith 55 d Naracoorte 46
Keith had a strong four quarter effort. Sophie Makin held strong at goal attack and was a focal point. Keith held a one-goal lead at the first break but stepped it up from there. Naracoorte’s defensive pressure was good, but not enough to slow Keith’s quick transition into attack.
Div 1 ELIMINATION FINAL – Penola 51 d Mundulla 44
An evenly contested first quarter saw Penola leading Mundulla 14-10. Mundulla fought back to trail by one at half time. The last half saw Penola breakaway. Mia Dowling (Mundulla) shot accurately throughout and Georgia Winter (Penola) was a strong presence in the goal ring also.
Div 2 QUALIFYING FINAL – Border Districts 39 d Keith 36
Borders defenders Rata and Unger created many opportunities to take a six goal lead into half time. Hedges and Kotz upped the defensive intensity for Keith in the third but Borders maintained their lead. Keith rallied in the fourth but were unable to close the gap.
DIV 2 – Elimination Final – Kybybolite 28 d Penola 22
Penola came out with a strong defence rewarding it with a four goal lead. Kybybolite defence came out in the second quarter with a bang to reduce the lead. Both teams working hard in the third quarter with an even score of 19. Kybybolite’s defence caused plenty of turnovers which resulted in goals. Penola still fought hard til the end however Kyby finished with a six goal win.
