Underdogs tag a spur for Centrals
CENTRALS Trinity Beach are Bulldogs by name and are happily taking the underdogs tag in their Cairns Netball Association elimination final against Leprechauns tonight.
As Cairns Saints and Sharks battle it out for a spot in the 2017 decider, the Bulldogs and Leprechauns will be trying to stay alive in their semi-final.
Bulldogs have come up against adversity throughout the season with squad movements and coach Kelly Hynes believes that will spur them on.
“All other teams in finals are well established and hugely experienced, Bulldogs are the ‘underdogs’ but the title does not bother them,” Hynes said.
“Leps have some very talented youth in Grace Ratima and Princess Tikatau, and a very tenacious midcourt with lots of experience through all other positions, but we certainly feel like Leps will need to bring their A-game to beat them in what potentially could be the loudest game CNA have seen as both coaches, Kym McPhee-Smith and myself, are well known to be loud and proud coaches.”
Nicole Dempsey Division 1 MVP Emily Allen will be vital to the Bulldogs’ chances of advancing tonight.
“Coming into Division 1 finals on Friday night it is these successes that will be the driving force to ensure that players give everything they have to overcome Leps and progress to next week,” Hynes said.
In the major semi-final, defending premiers Saints will welcome back skipper Jacqueline Dupuy, who played half a game with an ankle complaint last week, and Freya Parks.
Saints played Sharks in the last round of the home-andaway season, claiming the minor premiership with a tight win, and coach Jaimi Byrne expects tonight’s game to follow a similar pattern.
“It will be interesting to see which side settles into the game first – finals is a different ball game,” Byrne said.
“Nerves and adrenaline always play their part.
“I have confidence in our girls to get the job done.”