Thrilling grand finals played out
Thrilling grand finals were played out in Warragul and District Netball Association’s twilight competition last week.
Kristin Groenewaldt had a particularly busy night on court, taking home two best on court awards from victory in the 15 and under grand final and a tight loss in the open B grand final.
Matches began on Sunday with the rescheduled 13 and under A match between Cats and Aztecs.
With Aztecs having player availability issues on the Monday night, Cats agreed to reschedule the match to allow the grand final to go ahead.
Cats took a one-point lead into quarter time in a hard-fought match, before the Cats lifted their intensity to make some strong intercepts.
Aztecs also made some great intercepts but unfortunately couldn’t convert as Cats ran away to win 37-14.
Mia Chandler was awarded best on court, while Jas Irwin was another player who was influential in the outcome.
Hollie Smith played well for the Aztecs.
Tensions were high as the 13 and under B grand final reached a thrilling conclusion. Gulls goal shooter Charlotte Bundle scored a late goal to put the Gulls one goal clear and while both teams scrambled, the Gulls held on to win 1615.
Both teams rebounded well with athletic intercepts, with Gulls defender Pippa Cook awarded best on court.
In a successful evening for the Warragul Gulls club, its 15 and under team also played in the grand final.
The match was nip and tuck throughout, with the Aztecs creating a slight advantage across the first three quarters of the match to eventually win 24-18.
Kristin Groenewaldt shot 15 goals to take her first best on court award for the evening.
An explosive second term of eight goals to one set up victory for Not Fast, Just Furious in the 17 and under grand final.
Claire Martyn was awarded the best on court award.
Warranor Opals defeated club mates Warranor Gems in the open C grand final.
The Opals ran away with it in the final term to win 27-16, with mid court player Renee Young awarded best on court.
Rebels and Aztecs White could only be separated by a single goal at the final whistle.
Aztecs White got out to an early lead before Rebels hit back to level the scores at half time. Each side shot 10 goals in the third term as the match headed for an epic, high scoring conclusion.
Rebels scored one better in the final term to win 37-36.
Kristin Groenewaldt took out the best on court award in a losing side.
Dino’s put in an admirable effort to score 25 goals in the Open A grand final despite only having six players take the court.
The Dino’s were in fact able to outscore their opposition in the final term, but battling the extra player proved a task too difficult to overcome as they fell to Hammer n Tongs 37-25.
Hammer n Tongs goal attack Anna Green was awarded best on court.