Lithgow netball teams shape up for grand final matches

Workies Mustangs 49 def Wang Tigers 37: Mustangs regrouped after their one point loss last week and combined all their strength and determination to face an equally determined Tigers. Ella Livingstone returned to the court this week and settled into the role of centre, moving the ball through the court and into the ever accurate shooters for mustangs. Emily Chatham was undeterred by the pressure of the tigers defence moving around the goal circle and finding the net time and time again.

Read more

Workies Fireworks 41 def Workies Flames 34: Another hotly contested game between these two teams saw Fireworks pull away in the final quarter after flames led the first three-quarters of the game. The whole Flames team gave their all for the game, which was shown by the rate of injuries. Losing a player early in the first quarter, then two more later in the game just highlighted the team’s flexibility in moving positions and adjusting play accordingly. Kellie Drengenberg and Callie Capamolla combined well in defence to limit the scoring ability of Fireworks, despite the accuracy of Sophie Quince and Mayghan Phillips for Fireworks. Molly Drengenberg played a tight game as WA for Flames while Serena Ma was excellent in C for Fireworks. 

Wang Firebirds 43 defeated Wang Phoenix 31: Fluid passing into the circle from Jess Milne at WA steadied Phoenix in the first quarter, with some strong direction and drives from the experienced Kellie Rochester at WD for Firebirds keeping the scores level at 11-11 at the first break.

Some great intercepts from the defence at both ends helped in regaining possession from some simple errors by both teams early in the 2nd quarter. Some exceptional long range shots were scored by Phoenix’s GA Carly Sharp, while Firebirds GA Annalise Jones showed great strength in rebounding in the circle, with Firebirds just edging Phoenix 18-17 at the half time break.

The speed of Firebirds GA Emma McEwen along the base line created lots of space for Firebirds to capitalise on. Imogen Sharp in WD for Phoenix tried hard for deflections on every play, and pushed herself to be available as the second option for every pass. Firebirds led at the 3rd break 31-24.

In the last quarter, the exhaustion was evident in the Phoenix team, with lapses in concentration resulting in them giving away too many penalties. Beth Flynn as C for Phoenix continued to chase every loose ball, while Tammy brown in C for firebirds was consistently everywhere on the court. With the experience of Firebirds defence Angela Green (GD) and Karen Deal (GK) continuing to mount pressure on the Phoenix shooters Firebirds managed to secure their spot in next week’s grand final by holding on to win 43-30.

A great effort by both teams, particularly the younger players in Phoenix who will gain from playing finals against a stronger and more experienced Firebirds teams.

Good luck to all the teams into the grand finals this week!