Clash of the titans
A BARNSTORMING final-round contest between top two Wentworth and Mildura has sown the seeds for a captivating qualifying final next week.
The Roos finished the campaign undefeated with a 54-46 victory at Brian Weightman Oval, but the Demons will absolutely believe they can reverse that.
It was billed as a potential match of the season and the vocal crowd was not disappointed as the two best teams in 2023 put on a brilliant showcase of Sunraysia netball.
Netball fans will be ecstatic to know it could be just the first part of a potential three-game end of season trilogy between them.
Courtney Wakefield played another great defensive game for the Roos. Picture: Ben Gross
The Roos brilliant defensive trio of Natalie Vercher, Courtney Wakefield and Christie Becker led the charge again, often collecting timely interceptions when the Demons got a run on.
In the absence of starting centre Ally Leng, Demons coach Sharon Watson experimented with multiple formations and youngster Molly McDonald was given initial duties, but regular attackers Jess McNamara, Ellie Vincent and Maddie Alvino all had turns in that position.
Ava Zadow and Amanda Edwards provided a brilliant one-on-one match up and the young Demon defender is one of the few who can physically match it with arguably Sunraysia’s best netballer.
Fellow Demons defenders Milli Seward and Katelyn Challis put in massive shifts to try and stymie a brilliant Roos attack.
Wentworth had depth to show with Kelsey Cameron and Jess Collihole playing roles in the second half off the bench.
Wentworth and Mildura meet again in next week’s qualifying final at John James Oval, Robinvale.
– Mitch Rodd
South’s Raquel Ban fires off a pass. Picture: Ben Gross
It’s finals for South
SOUTH Mildura wrapped up the final spot in next weekend’s SFNL A Grade netball semi-finals with a comprehensive 53-34 win against Red Cliffs at Mildura Sporting Precinct.
Sally Moore’s team needed to win on Saturday to clinch fourth spot and a semi-final encounter with third-placed Ouyen United.
The first-year South coach and her players were all smiles after getting the job done against the Tigers, who finish the season without a win.
“We’re so excited to be playing finals. They turned it on when it mattered today and I’m just so happy for all the girls,” Moore said.
“It really is reward for hard work.”
Wing attack Raquel Ban, centre Tara Hammerstein and goal shooter Sarah Telfer were at their best in the decisive win.
Telfer had a hot hand in the cold conditions, nailing 36 of her team’s 53 goals.
“Raquel and Tara did really great jobs. I was really happy with the connections and the way we moved the ball,” Moore said.
“Sarah was on today too. It was a really pleasing team effort. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and next up it’s finals.”
Moore said that “versatility” would be crucial in the clash with the Kangas.
“We’ll need to identify what’s going on at key moments in the game, and how we need to adjust if things aren’t going our way,” she said.
“But if we play like did today and keep our composure, we’ll be fine.”
– Matt Taylor
Indi Spratt lines up for goal. Picture: Meagan Verstappen
One last win not quite enough
IRYMPLE’S last-gasp bid to make the SFNL A Grade finals fell painfully short, despite racking up an impressive 47-39 away victory over Merbein at the Kenny Park courts.
Fourth-placed South Mildura’s win over bottom-of-the-table Red Cliffs saw the Swallows fall a frustrating four points behind the Bulldogs, while managing to leap over the Magpies for fifth in a tense encounter.
The visitors held sway in the first half and had a useful eight-goal lead at the first break, but it was pretty much goal for goal in the final two stanzas as Irymple held on for a tight triumph.
Not knowing the result of the South Mildura-Red Cliffs clash at the time, Swallows coach Sherrie Geister harboured hopes of a sneak-in finals win, but also lauded her team for its efforts throughout the season.
“That was amazing for the girls today,” Geister said.
“To finish (the home-and-away season) with four strong quarters, that’s probably what we have lacked all season.
“We played a really good game for four quarters today. We have come a long way this season and they are now starting to play well as a team and not just individuals.
“I don’t think we are that far away from competing (with the top sides), we just need to mature and get experience. We don’t have a lot of height, so if we could pick up some of that, it would be an added bonus going into next year.”
Jorja Delcastegne and Sophie Price were named the victor’s best on court, while Sophie Kroehn and Zali McMonnies were outstanding for the Magpies.
– Tym Glaser
Kangas prevail
OUYEN United held off Imperials for a tight victory at Underbool.
Final scores were 38-36 and the victory made sure of the Kangas’ spot in the finals. They will play South Mildura in a do-or-die semi next week.
We’ll have a full match report in Monday’s Sunraysia Daily.
