Teams all fired up for a shot at Flames

AYC and Cripps Waratah will fight it out in tonight’s Premier League netball preliminary final for the chance to meet Karana Flames in the grand final.

The two teams have been neck and neck all season, having fought for top spot on the ladder along with Karana.

And with AYC keen for a second crack at Karana after last week’s semi-final loss and Cripps coming off possibly their best game of the season with an impressive win against Huon, both teams will be leaving nothing on the court tonight.

AYC will be confident having won a tight encounter by five goals in Round 20 to seal the minor premiership, but Cripps won the previous two encounters by one goal and nine goals so it should be a great contest.

Both teams have depth and experience galore and aren’t afraid to make changes, which should make for a highly skilled, physical and fast contest with great match-ups all over the court.

Some key match-ups to look out for include Cripps’ goal defence Zoie Crawford’s likely clash with experienced AYC playmaker Reagan Davie, with Davie combining beautifully this year with Lilli Hyatt in goals.

AYC’s young defensive duo Tiena Meaclem and Nat Smedley have improved this season, with their athleticism seeing them take some spectacular intercepts each week. They’ll have their work cut out for them, with Cripps having multiple options in goals, including Kate Patmore and co-coaches Sophia Saunders and Bec Strong.

Isabelle Pace’s feeding and speed in the centre court have been exceptional for Cripps this year and if AYC is able to shut down her drive on to the circle this will go a long way to improving its chances of a first premiership.

The match starts at 8pm at Hobart Netball and Sports Centre, after the under-21 preliminary final between Huon and Kilburn.