It was all left out on the court in the final round of the regular season of the VNL with a couple of blowouts, upset wins and a “Harrison Hoist” from the Ariels Championship team in the final minutes of their season.
Championship
Melbourne University (70) defeated Casey Demons (53)
Boroondara Express (58) defeated by City West Falcons (74)
North East Blaze (70) defeated Wilson Southern Storage Saints (63)
Hawks Netball (69) defeated Peninsula Waves (44)
Geelong Cougars (75) defeated Ariels 28
With the final four already determined for the Championship division prior to the round it was a chance for Hawks and Peninsula Waves to have a good hit out and test the combinations of their respective sides.
The Hawks donned a versatile goal circle with Daisy Hill, Kaylia Stanton and Tayla Shannon all rotating through the attack end. Waves defenders looked confused and startled by the fast paced and dynamic shooting the pair provided. Shannon scored 11 goals straight and worked the front of the circle to ensure she secured prime position.
In the midcourt, however, it was all about speed and connection both of which Lorna Clark and Jasmine Ferguson had. It was very hard to defend the pair as they flourished, transitioning from first phase centre pass to second phase and hit deep pocket or top of the circle every single time. Clarke created a lot of opportunities and intercepted cross-court passes as Waves attempted to go for goal.
Division 1
Melbourne University (54) defeated Casey Demons (47)
Boroondara Express (55) defeated City West Falcons (53)
North East Blaze (78) defeated Wilson Southern Storage Saints (44)
Hawks Netball (45) defeated Peninsula Waves (41)
Geelong Cougars (65) defeated Ariels (46)
While North East Blaze have finished the regular season undefeated and look unstoppable going into the finals, it was the Boroondara Express win over the City West Falcons that took the match of the night. In the final minutes of the game, the bench and crowd jumped to their as the intensity rose and both teams tried to secure the win. Karina Martin played an important role in both wing defence and goal defence to disrupt the quick transitions from the Falcons and in the last two minutes scored an important deflection that led to a three-goal lead with only 65 seconds to play.
Ariane Luamanu had a stunning game for the side out in goal attack, manoeuvring around Peta Fay and Beth Schnioffsky in defence and shooting at a 73% from range. Luamanu also assisted in the transitions down the court often presenting in the middle of the centre third to receive a pass from Chelsea Satori before swinging into the pocket.
19/Under
Melbourne University (63) defeated Casey Demons (35)
Boroondara Express (39) defeated by City West Falcons (52)
North East Blaze (38) defeated by Wilson Southern Storage Saints (56)
Hawks Netball (48) defeated by Peninsula Waves (49)
Geelong Cougars (57) defeated Ariels (53)
It was a strong start between North East Blaze and the Wilson Storage Southern Saints and an exciting game for both sides as Blaze attempted to upset the Saints finals chances. From the very first whistle, Mia van Wyk was out contesting the ball and causing problems as only a defender can. Her long arms allowed her to apply pressure to Paris Bosscheiter under the post and gain some amazing defensive rebounds before launching the ball down the court to her midcourt. Van Wyk’s defensive pressure didn't stop there, out hunting for loose balls and sitting on the transverse line trying to stop Blaze’s transition out of Saint’s attacking end.
Assisting in those quick transitions down the court was the Saints midcourt which couldn’t be faulted for their connections. Holly Garac and Charlize Buskermolen made quick work of every gain Saints received in the first half to ensure it reached the safe hands of Sophia Bloch. The introduction of Maddie Higgins into centre meant that they were able to match the speed of Ruby Shannon and contest the fast balls she was collecting.
Luiza Sulemani dazzled for the Blaze out in wing defence. In the second quarter alone, Sulemani had three gains and two intercepts from work she did to confuse the space and force Saints to throw cross court. Her pressire and positioning at the top of the circle also provided Blaze with the much needed shield to prevent easy passes into Isabella Templeton and Bloch.
