THOMASTOWN 2 claimed victory against North Heidelberg 4 in the Section 6 netball grand final at Parade College on Friday night.
Thomastown was first to score a goal for the match, cutting North Heidelberg’s center pass.
Thomastown GS Liavna Talarico remained firm on her feet to defend off North Heidelberg GK Karlina Svikulis, creating a lead in goals with a score of 7-5 by the end of the first term.
North Heidelberg started the second quarter off well with GA Avril Stanley, scoring a goal within the first 40 seconds. WA Rhiannon Macklin held an impressive defensive performance and maintained passes with teammates to get the ball down the court and to their shooters.
Whilst both sides were quick, Thomastown’s impressive speed allowed GK Tanae Creek and GD Lauren Newstead to cut off North Heidelberg’s passes, claiming most possession and keeping them in the lead, 16-12.
The third quarter highlighted fruitful teamwork between North Heidelberg’s GS Megan Nichols, GA Stanley and Center Bianca Villanti, to pass and keep the ball in their goal circle. This allowed GS Nichols and GA Stanley to maintain effective stance and score goals.
With four minutes remaining in the third quarter, North Heidelberg GA Stanley jumped high to catch rebounds off the goal post and shared passes with GS Nichols to score five goals for their team. This put North Heidelberg behind Thomastown by one goal with a score of 17-18.
However, Thomastown remained in the lead with an increase of three goals, changing the score to 21-17 by the end of the third quarter.
Whilst North Heidelberg defended shots and GS Nichols scored a remarkable goal standing on the center of the goal circle line, it wasn’t enough to defeat Thomastown’s position with a five-goal lead.
Fast turns, steadiness and efficient interceptions allowed Thomastown 2 to hold possession of the ball in the last seconds of the final quarter and win the Section 6 grand final 28-23.
St Martins rejoiced in victory with a 38-35 win against Heat 3 in the Section 7 netball grand final at Parade College.
Heat worked quickly to claim possession and scored the lead goal within the first minute. St Martins were quick to follow the pace and pass the ball into their goal circle, allowing GA Natalie Starr to score several goals.
With only five seconds remaining in the first quarter, contact by Heat GD Laura Gibbs, allowed St Martins GS Alex Russell to shoot an impressive goal from the outer line of the goal circle, putting St Martins behind 9-11.
Although Heat’s GK Renee Fitzgerald and GD Gibbs used impressive skills to defend their attack, St Martins GS Russell, GA Starr and Center Monique Barbarera were quick on their feet, using teamwork to keep the ball in their goal circle and remain in possession.
An intercept outside Heat’s attacking circle by St Martins WA Alicia Simons led to a goal, bringing both teams to a score of 16 with two minutes remaining in the second quarter. However, St Martins scored another two goals by the end of the term, taking a lead for the first time.
As the ball was passed down the court and intercepted multiple times by both teams, Heat GS Lauren Pendlebury used her height to block off St Martins GS Russell and GA Starr, catching all rebounds with the opportunity to shoot accurately.
St Martins remained in the lead however with a score of 30-26 by the end of the third quarter.
In the final quarter, the ball spent most of the time in St Martins goal circle, allowing both the GS and GA to thrive in increased goals. Claiming the title of the grand final for Section 7, St Martins defeated Heat 3 with a score of 38-35.
West Ivanhoe came from third place on the ladder to claim the Section 8 premiership, defeating South Morang in a thrilling grand final 34-32.
West Ivanhoe had to win all three finals to win the flag, defeating Watsonia 3 and Heat 4 in the weeks leading into the grand final.
Stef Symes took out the best on court medal in the premiership win.
The Section 9 premiership was won by Bundoora Comets 4, who also came from third place on the ladder to win the flag.
The Comets prevailed over Fitzroy Stars 4 by 17 goals in the decider, winning 33-16 at Parade College.
Lauren Grimes was adjudged best on court for the Comets in the grand final.
