A Grade HATHERLEIGH V TANTANOOLA
Hatherleigh and Tantanoola will go head to head for to stay alive in the Bendigo Bank Mid South Eastern Netball Association season in this Saturday’s A Grade preliminary final.
The Eagles were impressive against Kalangadoo in a physical encounter, where possibly some nerves proved costly.
Hatherleigh holds the bragging rights winning the two previous meetings led by the strong attack line of Keston Green and Lacey Haines.
They are very hard to beat in the circle, while the midcourt could be boosted by the return of Sarah Faulkner, who had a week off to recover from an injury.
Tantanoola has had an impressive season despite the early loss of Simone Little.
The Tigers have kept a consistent team on the court led by Emma Gould, who boasts strong holds, accurate shooting and rebounding ability.
She works well with Jami Walker and the dangerous mid-court trio of Casey Walker, Vic and Alex Lucas.
Nerves will play a role, so both teams will need to settle quickly.
Accuracy will be important with both teams boasting capable defenders.
Hatherleigh may be the favourite, but finals are a different ball game and the Tigers will certainly give all they have got for a chance at playing on a grand final.
A Reserve GLENCOE V PORT MACDONNELL
The A Reserve preliminary final is headlined by Glencoe and Port MacDonnell.
When the teams met earlier in the year, the Murphies finished on top, but the Demons have had a strong second half of the season, so expect this game to go down to the wire.
Both teams have strong goalies, Megan Hein has added some height, skill and experience to the Bay’s goal circle, while youngster Keyarnah Smith has enjoyed her first year playing senior netball. Glencoe secured Taitlyn Rothe this year and she has fit well into the team and had a consistent season.
The Murphies were also well served by Madeline Watson Tameka Medhurst in the semi.
Playing coach Narelle Lewis will steady the Bay’s attack line with her finals experience.
It should be an exciting game to watch.
B Grade GLENCOE V TANTANOOLA
Glencoe takes on Tantanoola in the winner-takes-it-all preliminary final.
The Tigers’ goalies Bec Millowick and Nicole Rutkowski were in good form in their semi, causing headaches for their opponents.
Glencoe has a strong defensive line however and they will be doing their best to burst Tant’s attacking bubble.
Sam Brieley and Sally McDonnell are a strong combo for the Murphies, with Bianca Easterbrook also able to switch from goals to defence if needed.
It should be a cracker with the winner through to the decider against Kalangadoo.
B Reserve HATHERLEIGh V GLENCOE
In the B Reserve knockout final, it’s Hatherleigh taking on Glencoe and both teams have strength in their attacking goal circles.
For the Eagles, Indi Marshall had a great game at the weekend, shooting accurately and teaming well with Di Loveday.
Glencoe’s goalies Lauren Kenny and Britt Liebich are also a strong combination and are hard to beat on their day. Ang Tweddle is a solid contributor for the Murphies through the middle and should have a good match up against either Sally Bateman or Staci Faulkner.
When the teams met during the season it was Hatherleigh by a single goal in their first match, while COVID-19 stopped the rematch.
17 & Under KALANGADOO V Mount BURR
Kalangadoo’s top junior team hopes to replicate its senior sides by snatching a grand final berth in the prelim against Mount Burr.
These teams have met twice this season and the Magpies flew home on both occasions.
Shelby Ryan and Kori Collins have been in good form, shooting with accuracy and moving well around the circle, so Mozzie defenders McKenzie Bevan and Maddie Gamble will need to be on top of their games.
15 & Under HATHERLEIGH V KALANGADOO
To get proceedings under way Saturday, Hatherleigh meets Kalangadoo.
Bella Poulish and Niah Faulkner are strong in goals for the Eagles, while down the other end of the court, Tegan Lythgo has had a great finals series, playing in both the 15’s and 13’s.
Ebony Wurst for the Pies is a tough and tenacious defender who never lets her opposition too far out of sight.
These teams have only met once during the year and it was Kalangadoo that ran away with an eight-goal win.
13 & Under HATHERLEIGH V Mount BURR
In the knockout 13 and Under final Hatherleigh takes on Mount Burr.
When the teams met earlier in the year, the Eagles came out on top in both rounds.
Kalli Nettle was strong and will likely line-up against Sara Smith who has had a great season for the Mozzies in defence.
Alex Haines also gave 110% in defence for the Eagles in their match against the Pies and could line up against Tilly Gamble.
Both teams are versatile and will not be afraid to make changes if necessary, so it should be a great game.
