Division 1
Workies Firebirds v Wang Phoenix: With both teams fielding only seven players, it was surprising that the game commenced at a frantic pace by both teams. Beth Flynn and Carly Sharp combined well in shooting circle for Phoenix. Tammy Brown showed great athleticism for Firebirds, limiting the easy passes available for Phoenix. Firebirds led at the break 14-11.
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Pinpoint passing from Kellie Rochester opened up plenty of space through the centre court for Firebirds. Kaitlyn Virtu worked hard in defence for Phoenix, minimising the shooting opportunities of Kirsty Melnyk for Firebirds. Stagnant positioning from Phoenix allowed Firebirds to capitalise on rebounds and turnovers, extending their lead to 31-22 at half time.
The Firebirds shooters showed dominance and agility taking some very strong rebounds. Imogen Sharp had a consistent game at centre for Phoenix. Maicee Heterick showed impressive defensive skills for Phoenix, perfecting her timing, leading to a number of deflections and turnovers. Danielle Reynolds proved her versatility for Firebirds, moving from defence to Centre in the third quarter, and displaying great passing through the transitions.
Angela Green provided Firebirds with a handy option of feeding the circle from the centre third, a vital lesson all young juniors should learn is to look to the post for your first option, no matter what your bib letters are. Firebirds increased their lead at the break 41-31.
Kristy Gaudry found her second wind in the last quarter, having a hand in almost every attacking play for Firebirds. Monique Rust and Stephanie Bird tried hard for Phoenix all game. Kellie Rochester provided great direction for Firebirds from the defensive circle assisting the upcourt players immensely. A well-deserved win for Firebirds 50-39. They will now play Hustlers in the grand final.
Division 2
Final Vikings v Wang Swifts: Swifts started enthusiastically, displaying some desperate defence.
Brilliant circle feeding from Jenna Sheather helped Swifts improve their shooting position. Swifts displayed exceptional speed down the court after gaining intercepts. Freda Clutterham for Vikings got some great tips, but Vikings couldn't regather the ball. Great long-range shooting by Abby Dean from Vikings was a pleasure to watch. Vikings were working hard during the first quarter, but uncontrolled passes let them down. Swifts led at the break 17-8. Shelby McManus showed great determination in chasing down rebounds and deflections. Vikings found their rhythm at the start of the quarter by playing the game at their own pace. Sophie Clark was fluent moving all around the circle for Swifts, adding valuable options for Swifts circle feeders. Swifts led at the break 24-16.
Swifts showed improved court positioning in the third quarter. Lara Compton worked tirelessly in defence for Vikings, never giving up on loose balls. Makaylah Rattenbury for Swifts showed great defensive pressure all quarter and displayed great perception skills in being able to intercept the passes within the circle. Swifts led at the break 34-27.
The reinjection of the experienced Michelle Clutterham into the Vikings defence complemented the playing style for Vikings. Maddy Holding had impressive evasive skills. Maggie Muir's control of the play through the centre court gave added spark to the quarter for Vikings, but it was too late to change the game result, with Swifts winning the game 49-33.
Well done to Wang Swifts who advance to next weeks Grand Final against Lansdowne Lunachix.
Division 3
Portland Hotshots put in a consistent effort in the first quarter to keep the margin low. The defence of Bailey Neil and Jarah Café was outstanding in shutting down the strong shooting of Emily Healey and Josephine Smith. Tenisha Harding never gave up, moving the ball into her shooting circle, where Hannah Marlow converted the points.
Vixens got away in the second quarter with Heidi Kingston and Chloe Healey proving to be a great centre court duo. Emily Newton and Sophie Young stepped up and kept the ball out of the shooting circle.
Jessica Gearside worked hard at keeping the attackers out of the circle with consistent support from Holly Livingstone.
Strong rebounds from Nikera Hann kept Vixens Meg Carter on her toes, whilst the outstanding defence from Kara Handley saw Hotshots have a solid third quarter. Rosa Cappamolla read the play well to move the ball down court.
The fourth quarter saw Vixens run away with a convincing win when Victoria Clutterham and Gracie Northey putting in an amazing defensive effort.
Vixens will now play Wang Tigers in the grand final.
Division 4
The less experienced team Workies Rubies tried their hardest, with Amy Kennedy and Layla phillipsen kept busy defending the Popstars talented shooter Savannah Green. Marnie Thompson and Jamia Cadalt matched up in the centre court and were kept busy the entire quarter.
Kelsie Handley's awareness of the game at GD for Popstars, supported by Breiea Lampton's incredible defence kept the Rubies Mia Sheehan out of the circle. Matilda Morgan was consistent in GK as was her opponent at GK Penelope Cavill-Lowe.
Showing great skill Ava Van Den Berg was able to intercept many passes and offload to Charlotte Collins to get the ball to her shooters. Rubies Eva Hazell at WA and Maisey Mason at WD were focused on receiving all centre passes hoping to get the ball down to Rebecca Hopkins in the goal circle.
Portland popstars came away with a convincing win and will play their fellow Portland team Pocket Rockets in the grand final.
AGM
The Lithgow Netball AGM will be held at WISA Stadium in Wallerawang on October 15 at 7pm.
For any information on nominating for positions etc. please contact lithgownetball@gmail.com.
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