Wangaratta Netball Association- Preliminary Finals
Results 18-8-12
On Saturday the weeks difficult waether disappeared and players were fortunate to have favourable conditions for their all important finals.
In Section 1 the Empink/Greta Guns match proved to be a heart-stopper, with scores locked at 25 all at full time. It was in fact only in the dying minutes of the game that Empink were able to lift their work rate to produce the draw. Goal defencse Christine Powell played a blinder,,easily the best player on court, her clever defense work meant Paris Willett, usually a match winner in goal, was forced to work harder to find entry to the shooting circle, thus causing her accuracy to be down on her normal lofty standard. In extra time, Empink were able to carry their last ditch momentum to take the game 29 to 26. Greta teamwork was mostly superior ,, with Christine well supported by centre court duo, Shivonne Watson and Abbey Charleston. Despite not starring Paris Willett was a top contributor for the victors, along with Chloe Elliott and Bree Archer
In Section 2 Des & Troy were unfortunate to lose their centre player near the beginning of the match and with no reserves available , struggled to stay with Fluorscent , who broke away, with precision play to reach the Grand Final. Two goal defenders Sarah Maher and Millie Mathewson were the pick of the members for their respective teams.
Chunk a Dunk proved too strong for Mystic in Section 3, taking the game 17 goals to 8. The Allen sisters, Rebecca and Tayla were outstanding combining well in attack and putting in a good defensive effort when their opponents had use of the ball. Angie Williams with her long reach and excellent footwork was also a winner in her side, as was Jess Hunter in whatever position she was given to play. Kelsey Williams strove valiantly in various positions for Mystic, while Mariah Ramage produced her usual steady, reliable best as Wing attack.
Section 4 – This was a good match, with the younger Starburst, showing an all court effort of accurate passing and good use of space to defeat Benchwarmers 17 / 12. Benchwarmers were unable to match this play, but to their credit , fought the game out to the end. Players noted for their excellent match were, Starburst’s Anna Wallis, Lauren Torpy and Annie Holmes. With Alysha Ismale best of the Benchwarmers.
A 10 goal margin separated Section 5’s Smurfs and Moyhu Madness. Goal attack Sarah Borbidge demonstrated great skill for Smurfs, capably fed by Wing attack Carla Speziale, while Goal defense Isabel Lackner cut off many of their opponents forward moves. The young MM team showed the development made during the season and will look forward to next year’s competition. Attackers Keely Tua, Hannah Wright and Mollie Shanley were top players for their side.
Section 6 went down to the wire, with Banana Splits breaking away at the end of 4th quarter to defeat Cool Crocs 17 goals ,to 13. CC’s Hannah Bigg played an outstanding game in defense and was best player on court, however the combined work of C, Georgia Mahoney, GA, Georgia Reidy and GK, Tilly Bedendo, proved to be the winning edge for Banana Splts.