AIMING HIGH FOR SEASON
LEPRECHAUNS captain Leeahna Ratima believes the success of 2019 has put a target on her side’s back heading into the new Cairns Netball Division 1 season.
The Leps made their second-consecutive grand final appearance in emphatic fashion last season, winning 12 of 15 games in the regular season before defeating minor premiers Sharks in the semi-final to book a spot in the decider.
But, as was the case in 2018, they fell at the final hurdle.
Coming up against Sharks, who after a dominant regular season defeated North Cairns in the preliminary final to earn their grand final berth, Leps fell 46-45 in a thrilling overtime decider.
Having gone home emptyhanded on back-to-back grand final days, Leps are far from satisfied and plan on going one better in 2020.
However, Ratima concedes the side must find another level in the new season as they are now the hunted.
“Hopefully we can get there with the finish that we want this year,” she said.
“We’ve had a few changes in the team, but I know we can still get the result that we want.
“We’ve got a strong midcourt and we’ve had a few players that have returned and some from different clubs that have come back to play.”
Ratima said new and returning players included Alice Bowman, Chantelle Tikitau and former Cutters pair Benita Ah-Kau and Emma Sorrell.
“I’m looking forward to what we can put out there on the court,” she said.
“Chantelle played with us last year and was also involved in representing Cook Islands internationally and the Northern Rays. She will give us a huge boost with our attack.”
After winning just one game last season, Trinity Beach Bulldogs have dropped out of the top division.
New club Phoenix Fierce has replaced them.
Co-captain Akayla Peterson said the club was eager to open its inaugural winter season campaign against the defending premiers, Sharks.
“It’s pretty exciting and it will give us a good idea of where we’re tracking for the season,” she said.
But, the club will be up against it from the get-go, with player-coach Naomi Moke to potentially miss the season after suffering an achilles injury at a weekend practice match.
“She’s a big loss to our team and it’s going to be a challenge, but she’ll still be coaching from the sideline, which is great, although we’d love to have her on the court with us.”