PANTHERS CLAIM TITLE

Young netballers battle hard to secure premiership

NETBALL: A nervy start gave way to an emphatic win for the Under-17 Future Panthers on Saturday.

Up against Southport in the Elite Premier League final, Panthers claimed the premiership with 59-47 win, but the young side had to overcome a slower than usual start.

“We started the game a little slower than normal, even for us,” coach Caitlin Fry said.

“We normally work our way into things but I think the girls were a little nervous.

“They’ve all got big game experience at club level but this was a bit different for all of them with that first big title on the line.”

Leading 11-9 at the first break, Panthers gradually pulled away in the second quarter and continually added to their lead as the game progressed.

“Molly Gore, Jasmine Mulheran and Madi Slack were really good for us in defence,” Fry said.

“They were able to turn the ball over for us and from there the girls turned those opportunities into points.

“We have a great group of enthusiastic and talented girls in this side and they worked hard all season to get to this point.”