Division 1
Wang Hustlers 44 defeated Workies Firebirds 43
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Annalise Jones for Firebirds chased her opponent hard all quarter, pressuring every shot the Hustlers shooters made.
Connie Edwards was tough at WD for Hustlers, with her one-one-one defence making it hard for Firebirds to complete passes.
Charmaine Bradley helped move the ball well through the transitions for Hustlers.
Sophie Quince's shooting was once again flawless for Hustlers, with her baseline movements and drive to the ball exceptional.
Kellie Rochester for Firebirds used her court space well at WA, and capitalised on the quick penalties to move the ball easily up court.
Dannielle Reynolds covered a vast amount of court space as Firebirds Centre, both in attacking plays and defensive plays.
Hustlers led at the first break 14-9. Angela Green provided great strength for Firebirds in the defensive circle, while Emma McEwen at the other end of the court displayed some amazing splits.
Laura Nightingale's height proved a handy advantage in the defensive circle for Hustlers, contesting every rebound effectively. Emma Crowe had a strong game at GD for Hustlers, putting pressure on her opponent at every opportunity.
Hustlers Captain Coach Olivia Hughes provided an energetic spark as she has all season, silently popping up anywhere and everywhere. Hustlers led at half time 26-21.
Tammy Brown's injection into the shooting circle for Firebirds helped, with her amazing ability to catch turn and shoot without hesitation. Catherine Suggate was pivotal for Firebirds in making the Hustlers shooters think twice about both passing out of the circle and shooting.
Jacqui Crowe also had a strong game at GD for Hustlers, contesting every loose ball in the circle. Chelsea Noon gave 100 per cent for Hustlers and showed exceptional speed taking centre passes with flare. Ali Kay effectively directed Hustlers around the centre court, covering open space with ease. Kristy Gaudry's effortless lobs into the Firebirds circle showed her experience, and helped edge Firebirds back into he game, with the scores level at 34-all at the third break.
Nikki Tokoli displayed her great passing abilities, feeding the circle well for Hustlers, and being available at all times for her shooters.
Kirsty Melnyk at GA for Firebirds was once again inspirational to watch, with her in air acrobatics having to be seen to be believed.Congratulations to Hustlers, who eventually won the game 44-43.
Showing their determination, Firebirds didn't give up trying right until the very last second of the game.
The Nerryl Wood Player of the Match Award was selected by Margaret Combs, and was won by Chelsea Noon (Hustlers).
Division 2
Lansdowne Lunachix 40 defeated Wang Swifts 34
Tracey Northey's shooting for Lunachix was spot on again this week, especially when it counted.
Tracey combined well through the centre court with her daughter Abby Case, who had her work cut out for her finding space away from her opponent.
Wang Swifts didn't let being a physically smaller team intimidate them, with Sophie Clarke having a strong attacking game at GA. Magical circle feeds from Jenna Sheather for Swifts helped open up clear space in the circle for Swifts.
Shelby McManus stuck like glue to her opponent, dominating the front, back and side space. In a tightly contested game, the scores were locked at 9-all at the break.Sheridan Foley took some remarkable intercepts for Lunachix, with Mikaylah Rattenbury's extraordinary reach assisting Swifts pick up some very valuable rebounds.
Bella Nunan used her circle edges well for Swifts, creating opportunities closer to the post.A heavy collision between Tracey Northey (Lunachix) and Shelby McManus (Swifts) was unsettling for both the players and supporters.
Play settled for the remainder of the quarter, At half time, Lunachix were in front 21-17.Shelby McManus returned to the court as GD for Swifts in the third quarter with more tenacity than before. Zoe Barnes tried hard in GK for Lunachix, pushing her opponent to make long shots.
Maddy Holding had a strong game at WA for Swifts, offering up some awesome feeds into the circle and attempting intercepts at every opportunity. Alison Pearce was consistent in every position she played for Lunachix, assisting them in leading 32-26 at the break.Stacey Williams for Lunachix scooped up a number of loose balls, providing some relief to the Lunachix defence.
Kealey Gillsepie played very well providing additional support options for Swifts at WD for Swifts, and combined well with Macayla Lamb who had her arms up in defence over every ball for Swifts. Rose Rust proved age is no barrier on the netball court as GS for Lunachix with the veteran expertly potting long shots throughout the quarter and exciting the crowd.
Lunachix ran away winners 40-34.The Cathy Turvey Division 2 Player of the Match award was won by Kealey Gillespie (Swifts). A well deserved win for Lunachix, with Swifts putting in a great performance to be proud of as well.
Division 3
Wang Tigers 50 defeated Vixens 37
Another great show of support from family and friends for the game, Vixens started the game quickly, finding the shooters circle easily due to the abundance of energy displayed by Emily Healey.
Hallie Bulkeley for Tigers chased every loose ball, never giving up the contest. Taylor Bennett for Tigers amazing ability to quickly pop some brilliant balls into the circle, allowed the shooters to easily improve their distance from from the post.
Heidi Kingston worked hard through the centre court for Vixens, finding great court position to aid in bringing the ball down the court. An injury to Ellie Pender for Tigers saw the insertion of Annika Taylor, whose long arms created havoc for the Vixens shooters. Tigers led at the break 13-10.
Some smart plays from penalties by Charlotte Jackson saw the ball quickly move up court for Tigers. Meg Carter never stopped moving at GK for Vixens, interrupting the circle feeds and making shooting position for Tigers difficult.
Gracie Northey switched to WD in the second quarter, utilising her great circle defence skills into the mid court area, slowing down the Tigers attack. Tigers led at half time
Ella Houlison showed great athleticism, tipping and deflecting passes for Tigers to capitalise on.
Sophie Young and Emily Newton combined well in defence for Vixens, proving much needed back up for throw ins and rebounds.
Mirrin Sharp moved fluidly in and out of the shooting circle for Tigers. Chloe Healey used her speed at WA to effectively evade her opponent and find free court space. Tigers led at the break 36-31
Halle Gillespie for Tigers showed some great centre court speed in the last quarter at WA, with assistance from Mackatelyn Hepple in WD to move the ball through the transition areas. Josephine Smith played well at GS for Vixens, stabilising the team in both play and encouragement. Tigers took home the victory 50-37.
Well done to both teams for their efforts over the season getting them to the grand final, as well as for their stellar performances during the grand final.
The Leanne Plackson Division 3 Player of the Match award was won by Emily Healey
A great game by booth teams, show casing some amazing junior skills that have developed over the past season.
Division 4
Portland Pocket Rockets 20 defeated Portland Popstars 8
Wonderful show of support with a huge crowd supporting the all Portland Grand Final. Great court speed by Charlotte Collins for Popstars, working well up the court with Savannah Green, as well as some great work on the circle edge. Mia Hamilton displayed some great baseline evasions for Popstars. Ashton Bullock worked hard to better her position in the shooting circle for Pocket Rockets, and Molly Lambert defended well for Rockets. Pocket Rockets lead at the first break 6 1.
Macy Brown was strong through centre court, controlling both attacking and defensive plays for Pocket Rockets, Serena McCanns defence for Pocket Rockets was effective in the second quarter. Kelsie Handley displayed some beautiful defence for Popstars, capitalising on the missed shots from Rockets. Penelope Cavill-Low showed great curt position for Popstars. Alirah Dunleavy worked hard at WD to slow down Popstars attack. Pocket Rockets led 9-5 at half time.
Jamia Cadalt displayed some mature passing skills through centre court for Popstars, after switching from the shooting position in the first half. Breia Lampton pulled in some great rebound for Popstars. Libby Bailey showed her versatility for Rockets switching from shooting to defending in the third quarter, providing some additional options for Rockets. Ashlee Cooper fed the circle beautifully, and was always available for her shooters on the circle edge. Pocket Rockets led at the break 15-6
Mia Dunleavy for Rockets started out in WA, and moved to GA during the game also showing her ability to read play well. Charlotte Handley had her arms up over every ball in centre court defence for Rockets. Ava Van Den Berg returned to the court as Centre for the last quarter for Popstars, providing great ball control for Popstars. Pocket Rockets won the game 20-8
The Rosemary Rust Division 4 Player of the Grand Final award was won by Charlotte Collins
Well done to both teams on their stellar performances during the year, and making it to the grand final.
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