AYC books a spot in final

AYC won 55-54 in a thriller against Karana Flames to book its spot in the Premier League netball grand final.

Karana took the advantage in the first quarter with the athleticism and intelligence of goalies Gennaveve Sullivan and Natasha Hudson helping their side to a 14-12 lead at the first break.

Karana’s defenders Eliza Siely and Laura Bennett were able to intercept well to extend Karana’s lead, but AYC increased the pressure to draw level at 26-26 at halftime.

AYC defender Natalie Smedley contested anything that came near her in the third but neither team was able to gain the ascendancy with scores locked at 42-42 heading into the last.

The defensive pressure from both sides tightened with Karana throwing away possession early and AYC stretching its lead out to three.

AYC was patient in attack and maintained its lead for most of the quarter until Karana scored two quick goals.

With one minute to go, Karana turned the ball over, but a strong defensive effort saw it regain possession, before a goal to Hudson on the whis- tle was discounted and AYC held on for the win.

Karana will now meet Kingston Blues in next week’s preliminary final.

Kingston fought off a determined Cripps Waratah to win 41-38, ending Cripps’ season.

Kingston started the better of the two, leading 10-7 at the first break, but Cripps fought hard in the third to shut down Kingston’s attack and take the lead 28-27 heading into the last.

But Kingston was not done and some inspirational work from defender Jennifer Hanlon, including one spectacular long-range intercept, brought them home.