19/U FEMALE
Peninsula Waves 41 def by City West Falcons 53
The City West Falcons have topped off their remarkable 2019 season with a 12-goal win over Peninsula Waves in the 19 & Under Grand Final.
After going down to the Waves in the semi final two weeks ago, the Falcons were out to seek redemption.
The Falcons dominated the game from the first quarter, taking a four-goal lead at the first break and maintaining that lead until the end.
The Waves put up a fight early in the fourth, coming within a goal, but the intensity of the Falcons at both ends was too much.
Falcons’ defender, Melissa Oloamanu who was also named Player of the Match, credited the entire team for the effort across the four quarters.
“We started the game off quite nervous, but with the excitement of it all, we were able to build confidence which we used throughout the game,” said Oloamanu.
“We all just worked really well, it was a really fun game to play.
“The message from the coaches at half time was to be tough and I think we implemented that well and then were able to take a one-goal lead to 12 goals in that last quarter. It was about maintaining what we know.
“Our goalers were on fire, our midcourt were great and as defenders, we really played our role. I’m just so happy.”
This is the 14th premiership for the club in since the VNL’s inception in 2009.
North East Blaze 50 def Boroondara Express 44
In a tight match of turnovers and tumbles, North East Blaze have claimed victory over Boroondara Express to become the 2019 Bupa Victorian Netball League Division One Premiers.
The first quarter demonstrated the unwavering determination that both sides have been known for all season. Taking the first centre pass, Blaze came out quick to secure the first goal of the match within seconds. Boroondara continued to deliverer a similar first play with confident passes straight into their goalers.
The tone of the match was quickly set as the first quarter progressed with frequent turnovers that showcased the tight defensive play from both teams.
Blaze took a dominant lead at the end of the second quarter to see themselves 5-goals in front of Express, 24-19.
Excellent plays in Boroondara’s goal third brought them closer to Blaze in the third quarter, the margin only at 4-goals difference. Boroondara’s goalers were able to free themselves from their opponents and receive some outstanding long passes from their midcourt.
It was Blaze’s hard work early in the match to secure and maintain their lead that saw their faces light up as the siren sounded, seeing a 6-goal win and the 2019 Division One Premiership theirs.
Centre for Blaze, Meg Williams, was named player of the match.
Blaze Captain, Sam Coppinger, was lost for words as the reality set in her team had won.
“I can’t actually put in to words what I’m feeling right now. It was probably the longest 60-minutes of my life but I am honestly just so proud!
“It took us a little while to settle with nerves but once we got in to our rhythm and played for each other, like we have all season, we knew we could do it.
“Every single person in our team has played such a big role in getting us here,
“With so many players too, that have come through the Blaze pathway to now be standing on court as the siren goes to win a Premiership is so amazing.
“This group is a really special group and we just wanted this so badly for each other that everyone put in 100% and look where we are now!”
Geelong Cougars 69 def Casey Demons 55
With a Cougar army behind them, Geelong’s Championship team have taken it a step further from last year to pronounce themselves the 2019 Premiers.
Casey’s first quarter mimicked their journey into the Grand Final, coming from behind to end the quarter 2-goals in front. Erin Bell and Erin Ryde’s partnership in goals saw them execute their well-known long passes from the transverse to base line.
A determined Cougars were not ones to keep their roar silenced as they fought back in the second quarter to take the lead by 3-goals.
Driven by intensity and will to correct their 2018 Grand Final loss, Cougars delivered an unstoppable third quarter to score 22-goals and increase their leading margin to 16-goals.
Cougars drives saw their attacking midcourt hit the circle edge without fault to feed into Julia Wooley and Ruby Horton. Similar drives could be seen in their defence as Brooke Allen leapt with intensity to intercept lobs and long passes into Emma Ryde.
Geelong could not be stopped as the final 15-minutes ticked over. Showing no signs of fatigue, Cougars played to the very last second to finish off one of their most triumphant matches of 2019, a final score of 69-55.
An integral part to Geelong’s win was Vanessa Augustini who was announced Player of the Match for her work in Wing-Attack.
Key player from Geelong, Julia Wooley, was ecstatic to see the score as the siren sounded and said the hard work from every single member of their club made the outcome possible.
“I’ve played in a few of these before so I knew how hard the contest would be, and even harder to win, so to win it with these girls is the best feeling ever.
“Consistency has been what we have worked on all year and to come out on court and deliver it tonight was even more rewarding.
“When we got that lead, I knew that’s what it was going to come down to. At three quarter time I looked at the score and just thought it’s actually going to happen!
“It’s a skill in itself knowing how to win Grand Finals and after last year I had a feeling we could master it this year,
“The fact that we just missed out last year and have been able to finish it right to the end in 2019 makes this win even more memorable and an achievement in itself.”
This marks history for Geelong’s Championship team who only made their first appearance in a Grand Final in 2018 and have now secured their first ever premiership.
