AYC pressure takes the title

AYC atoned for its semi-final loss and built every quarter on its way to winning its first Premier League grand final with a 55-44 win over Karana Flames on Wednesday night.

AYC took a 13-10 lead into the second quarter and was 27-22 up at halftime.

Karana lifted its pressure defensively early in the second half, getting back to within three.

Ashlee Jones at keeper was outstanding, taking multiple intercepts.

But physically relentless defensive pressure from AYC’s Tiena Meaclem, Nat Smedley and Isabella King continued to force Karana into errors and with Lilli Hyatt and Reagan Davie shooting beautifully AYC started the last quarter with a handy 40-33 scoreline.

AYC didn’t let up in the last quarter, never letting Karana close the gap.

Xanthe Pastoor from AYC was named player of the match.

AYC coaches Nat Downton and Reagan Davie were delighted with their team.

“We’re so proud of the group,” Downton said. “The turnaround from the first final was amazing. We spent two weeks working on what we didn’t do right in that first game and on the night it all came together for us. Our defenders had a massive task and they were fantastic.

“To win for the first time in 17 years is just sensational.”

Karana coach Clare Bush was disappointed with the result but pleased with her team’s efforts throughout the year to make it to the final.

In other grand final results AYC defeated Huon 45-38 in Under-21 Division 1. Karana was a 48-33 victor over Kingston in Under-21 Div 2 and Palena defeated Kingston 38-22 in Under-21 Div 3.