By: Jessie Hare
We now just have one week left of NetballEFL for the year with Premier/Premier Reserve, Divisions 1 and 2 to play off in grand finals this week. While for Divisions 3 through to 6 we saw some great games be played last week as it was their final game of the season and it was for all the glory.
For Premier/Premier Reserve, it was Lilydale who earnt the first spot in the second grand final. They defeated last year’s runners up in Boronia comfortably, 66-51. Lilydale were led by Luiyf with 35 goals while Boronia’s Rush shot 49 goals. They found out their opponent in the second preliminary final when Scoresby defeated Blackburn by a huge 30 goals. Scoresby’s Sanzaro and Halstead far too good in the goal circle. Looking ahead, in the Premier grand final we will be seeing the one versus two clash, between Fairpark Yellow and Wantirna South Devils. On the court next to them in the Premier Reserve we will see Lilydale taking on Scoresby, both games at Knox at 8:15pm.
In Division 1, Fairpark went on to defeat Heathmont in their preliminary final meaning Fairpark cemented their spot in the grand final. A steady shooting display at both ends with Fairpark’s M. Williams and E. Williams combining for 35 goals to defeat Heathmont’s Goulding and Abbruzzese’s 31 goals. Looking ahead, South Croydon will go in as favourites to take home the trophy when they take on Fairpark at Knox at 7:00pm.
In Division 2, Croydon were all over Kilsyth in their preliminary final. Croydon’s 7 goals to 1 first quarter really set them up for their win, despite Kilsyth’s comeback efforts. Croydon went on to win the game by 11 goals, Dodd with 13 goals for the game followed by Higgins on 11 and Bolton on 3. Looking ahead, top of the ladder Vermont will be raring to go when they face Croydon in the grand final at Knox at 7:00pm.
In the Division 3 grand final, Mulgrave Red defeated Whitehorse Pioneers, 27-26. In a nail-biting game all the way to the end it was Mulgrave who came out as the number one side in the third division. With Jessica Hoskin for Mulgrave and Amy Russian for Whitehorse displaying why they have been such strong shooters for the whole season. Earning best on court honours for the match was Kathryn Bibby from Whitehorse.
In the Division 4 grand final, Glen Waverley Hawks Blue defeated Upper Ferntree Gully Red, 30-21. The Hawks led from start to finish and were able to blow it out in the final quarter, proving just too strong for all four quarters. Erin Anderson led the way in the goal circle with 17 goals for the game while Felicity Hutchinson was Upper Gully’s dominant goal shooter. Madeline Eastman from Glen Waverley earnt herself a best on court medal.
In the Division 5 grand final, Coldstream White defeated Heathmont Black, 35-21. Coldstream proved why they earnt that top spot on the ladder after they were able to blow the game out in the second half of their final. Emma-Lee Jakobs again the go to goaler for Coldstream with 24 goals, she was too strong in the circle for Heathmont’s defenders. Coldstream’s Gabby Keats found herself with her own best on court medal.
In the Division 6 grand final, Glen Waverley Hawks Yellow were defeated by Nunawading Lions, 24-28. An even first quarter led to better second quarter from Nunawading, yet the Hawks didn’t go away and came out strong in the third. It could have been anyone’s game in the final quarter with the Lions becoming eventual winners. Maya Kolevich had a big game in the goal circle with a total of 20 goals for the game. Alyson Tran from Nunawading earnt herself the best on court medal in her sides win.
