Karana into big dance

KARANA Flames have booked their spot in the Premier League netball grand final, dominating the last quarters to record a convincing 61-36 win over Kingston Blues.

Kingston scored three unanswered goals to start the match, but it didn’t take long for Karana to draw back level.

A goal to Karana shooter Genneveve Sullivan with seconds to go saw them take a 12-11 lead at the end of the first break.

Erin Lucas was strong in Kingston’s midcourt, hitting the circle beautifully, but Eliza Siely and Laura Bennett in Karana’s defensive circle were working hard to shut down Kingston’s goalies’ space as Karana managed to surge ahead.

Despite Lindy Aplin at wing defence for Kingston taking a number of intercepts it didn’t help slow down Karana’s dominance as they took a 26-17 lead into halftime.

Karana continued with the intensity to start the third quarter with Natasha Hudson and Sullivan complementing each other beautifully in the goal circle to open up space for one another.

Siely was joined by Lucy Baker in Karana’s defensive circle and the two combined strongly forcing Kingston’s shooters to battle hard for every inch of space as Karana opened up a handy 41-27 lead heading into the last quarter.

The final quarter saw Karana continue to dictate play, with each player on the court having a strong impact.

Jenay Moorcroft at wing attack was handling centre passes with ease and also had plenty of faith to let the ball go to her teammates.

Jen Hanlon and Emily-Kate Garvey continued to try hard in Kingston’s defensive circle but it wasn’t enough as Karana ran away with the 25-goal win. Hudson was named player of the match.

Karana will now meet AYC in a rematch of last year’s grand final and will be looking for redemption after falling short last year.