Neptunes claim first netball title in one- point thriller

NEPTUNES have made history by winning their first Townsville City Netball grand final in thrilling circumstances, edging out Saints 46- 45.

A last- minute conversion from goal shooter Carly Gilchrist put Neptunes a goal up but Saints had a final chance to score an equaliser after getting a turnover at their end and moving the ball forward.

The situation proved too much and Saints were unable to get a lastgasp shot, with Neptunes players and supporters launching into massive celebrations after full- time.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Neptunes coach Judy Bulley said.

“I’ve played in this team as a player and as a player- coach and I know how much it means to everyone here, whether someone who’s been there from the start or a young newcomer.

“We always knew it was going to be close, the whole year has been that way and all games in the finals have been decided by a point.

“That last minute was incredible, it wasn’t over and Saints got a turnover, but they were unable to score at the end.

“It’s hard to describe the feelings at full- time ... everyone’s just lost for words.”

Neptunes and Saints entered the grand final following an epic finals series that saw both teams score thrilling one- goal wins in their semi- finals.

Neptunes beat minor premiers Burdekin to take the direct path, while Saints beat Phoenix in the elimination semi a fortnight ago before edging past Burdekin last week in an equally absorbing preliminary final.

Neptunes led the competition for most of the year but were overtaken with two rounds remaining by the fast finishing Burdekin.

Cooper resisted the urge to make changes throughout Saturday night’s game.

“That’s the hard choice to make as a coach,” she said.

“But I thought it was the right decision, and even though only seven girls played on the court, we never would have got here without the 17 players who all contributed throughout the season.

“Saints were tremendous as well and their shooting end was phenom- enal. They always made us pay for turnovers.”

Saints were chasing their third premiership in as many years, but treated 2017 as a rebuilding season.

Coach Angela Cooper said she was proud of her team’s effort to push Neptunes all the way. “We nearly had it,” she said. “It would have been the last second that we had a chance to make it level, but we just couldn’t get that shot.

“Losing by one, I don’t know if it’s easier to be beaten by a lot, and it’s hard when you know you were so close.

“Our first quarter was not so good and we trailed by about five, and from there it just felt like we were playing catch- up.

“But at the end of it all the girls stuck together, supported each other and kept their heads high.”