The best of the EFL netball competition took centre stage on Friday night at the Knox Regional Netball Centre, renewing acquaintances with the Northern Football Netball League at representative level.
The NFNL raced out of the blocks early in the under-19s clash, taking a 10-3 lead into quarter time before slamming on a further 10 majors in the second term to lead 20-6 at the main break. The third quarter told a similar story, spelling a 23-point deficit at the final change for the EFL, setting up the eventual 47-15 victory for the NFNL. Defender Alanna Lennie was named best on court for the EFL, while mid-courter Chloe Lambert took the honours for the away side.
The stage was set for the senior clash which proved to be a seesawing affair. Both sides began in relentless fashion, trading goals early which told the story of the first-half; with the NFNL taking a slender one-point lead into quarter time before much of the same in the second term, with the scores locked at 21 apiece at half-time.
The sides rallied in the third quarter with neither side able to shrug the other, with scores again level at the break at 33 apiece, setting the scene for a pulsating final term.
A valiant showing saw the EFL senior side battle it out in the fourth quarter, but the final minutes saw the NFNL lift a gear with the game on the line through some exceptional goal-shooting courtesy of captain Bec Colwell.
Goalkeeper Allana Osborne was named best on court for the EFL through tireless defensive work in a high-intensity, high-pressure match, while defender Georgia Bowkett earned the top honours for the NFNL, after producing a stellar performance in defence.
More to come.