Arrows aim to make it three

AYC-FRIENDS Arrows are looking for their third premiership in a row when they take on the Northern Hawks in today’s Tasmanian Netball League grand final at the Silverdome in Launceston.

Arrows have been the benchmark of the competition for some years and, despite the home-ground advantage, Hawks will no doubt be feeling the pressure.

With only one loss in the past three seasons, Arrows are a well drilled, highly skilled and passionate team with versatility in droves.

And with only two newcomers this year, their experience alone could quite possibly give them the edge in today’s match.

Young gun goalie Natasha Shirley is one of those players and is really excited to be playing in her first grand final. Shirley has thoroughly enjoyed her year at the club.

“Everyone has been really welcoming, it’s really good. I’m glad I made the change and had the opportunity to learn from the experience in the team,” said Shirley.

Moving to Arrows has meant Shirley has had the opportunity to train and play with some of the state’s finest netballers, particularly co-captains Kate Prins and Hayley Sansom.

“Hayley and Kate have been like mentors — the little tips and experience they offer has been amazing.”

And anyone who has watched Shirley play this season would have noticed the improvement in her game with Shirley herself recognising the changes.

“I think I’ve improved in that I’m a bit smarter about my game now.”

Shirley said of the team’s chances today, “I’m feeling confident, but we need to put our best out there.”

In an exciting first for the club, both Arrows teams will compete in the grand final.

The under-19 team has the formidable task of meeting the undefeated Kingston Blues, who have beaten Arrows convincingly both times they’ve met this year.

Kingston, led by goalshooting machine Gemma Polley, has talent all over the court and Arrows will have their work cut out for them in order to pull off the upset.

The under-19 grand final starts at 2.30pm, followed by seniors at 4.30pm.

Anyone not able to make the game can watch it live from Netball Tasmania’s Facebook page.