By: Jessie Hare
The Netball EFL season is all over for another year with the Premier, Premier Reserve, Divisions 1 and 2 grand finals played last Friday night.
It was Fairpark Yellow who came away with the premiership cup for the second year in a row. Fairpark came streaming out of the blocks in the first quarter taking a nine-goal lead at the first break against Wantirna South Devils. The Devils worked tirelessly to get the margin down but just wasn’t enough to stay within reach. Fairpark defeated Wantirna South, 49 goals to 30. Stephanie McNay from Fairpark was solid for all four quarters which earnt herself a best on court medal. Fairpark’s Claire Van Dreumel showing why she has been a leading goal scorer across the whole division with 28 goals and Victoria McLellan backing her up with 21 goals. For Wantirna South Lauren Woodgate’s standout season in the goal circle was shown again as she scored 24 goals for her side.
The Premier Reserve grand final was won by Scoresby Swoopers who went on to defeat Lilydale Falcons, 58 goals to 46. After an even first quarter it was all Scoresby from the second quarter, they blew out their quarter time lead of three goals to half time leading by 14. Although Lilydale didn’t go away, it just wasn’t enough to compete with Scoresby. Scoresby’s Bianca Sanzaro’s performance was just far too good and it got herself the best on court medal. Sanzaro’s massive game in the goal circle saw her shoot 37 goals and her goaling duo Karin Halstead with 21, they were too good for Lilydale’s defence.
In Division 1, it was an inspired come-from-behind win for South Croydon Red who got over the line against Fairpark Red. South Croydon were down at every break before the last quarter, at three quarter time they found themselves down by four goals. Naomi Linossier from South Croydon had a dominant game which saw her receive the best on court medal. South Croydon was led by Jamie Sands and Sophie Stubbs in the goal circle while Fairpark’s Megan Williams was their highest scorer for the game.
The Division 2 grand final saw Vermont Eagles come away with the victory against Croydon, 38 goals to 22. A shaky start from the minor premiers saw them trailing Croydon at the first break by two goals. Vermont was able to find their rhythm in the second half and shut down Croydon for the rest of the game. Vermont’s Hannah Barry-Murphy played out a solid game of netball which meant she was the one to receive the best on court medal for that match. Kellie Phillips stared in the goal circle for Vermont with 27 goals while Croydon’s highest goal scorer was Matilda Higgins with 10 goals.
We would like to thank all the players, officials and supporters over the 2018 Netball EFL season. The EFL is looking forward to an even bigger and better season next year!