Centre shuffle comes up trumps for Cripps

CRIPPS Waratah has gone a long way towards locking in a finals berth, with a fine team effort securing a 51-34 victory over St. LukesHealth Karana.

St. LukesHealth had the better opportunities early in the first quarter and opened up an eight-goal lead.

There was some strong defensive work from Zanna Jodlowska, Mackenie Queen and Maddi Hay and Felicia Di Carlo unsettling the Cripps attack end.

The movement of Grace Pullen and Lucy Clapham in the attack circle gave St. LukesHealth feeders plenty to pass to.

A shuffle in the Cripps centre court settled the side in the second, with Sophie Navickas at centre steadying the attack end as her team took a 24-21 lead into half-time.

Cripps’ defensive end continued to dominate, with Lily Banks at wing defence coming up with intercepts to help extend the side’s lead.

AYC-Friends Arrows kept their finals hopes alive with a 38-37 win over Kingston Blues.

With scores 10-9 at the first break Kingston’s way, it was the second quarter that set the win up for Arrows, as they outscored their rivals 11-5.

Kingston drew level in the last but couldn’t get over the line.

Despite the loss, Kingston would be pleased with picking up three bonus points keeping it in the four.

Northern Hawks have shown why they are the competition frontrunners, with a dominant 76-54 win over second-placed Cavaliers.

The Hawks’ attack end is looking unstoppable, with Ashlea Mawer and Dannielle Pickett shooting beautifully.