It was a fairytale night for Geelong Cougars with two sides progressing through to the Grand Final, while Southern Saints triumphed in the 19/Under division to secure their spot in the big dance.
19/UNDER
Melbourne University Lightning (49) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (57)
The do-or-die clash lived up to the hype and anticipation. Having not lost to the Saints all year the Lightning looked to have the upper hand, but a fast start from the Saints quickly silenced the Lightning fans. The sides traded blows with neither able to pull ahead until the fourth quarter. With the game on the line the injection of Isabella Templeton in goal attack for the Saints gifted them the winning formula to secure a ticket to the Grand Final.
The dynamic shooting combination of Charlize Buskermolen and Malia Seumanutafa was just about unstoppable, the pair combining effortlessly under the post. Millie Hogg was exceptional through the middle and while Holly Garac took a heavy knock she couldn’t be stopped in the wing attack role. The Lightning defence was working in overdrive with Grace Markovic impressive in goal defence, while Dayna Williams and Charlee Kemp tried to stop the dominance of Seumanutafa under the post but it was to no avail.
Lavinia Fox was a strong playmaker out the front for Melbourne University, spending time in both wing attack and goal attack while Coco Smith was rock solid under the post utilising her commanding height. The battle between Grace Valele and Smith was exciting to watch with neither player willing to give an inch. Emma Winfield’s injection at half time through the centre provided some fresh legs but it was the composure of the Saints that eventually got them over the line.
The Saints now have a date with City West Falcons in the Grand Final.
DIVISION 1
North East Blaze (45) defeated by Geelong Cougars (49)
Blaze were out for redemption, but the persistence and determination from the Cougars was hard to stop as they claimed a four goal win. The Cougars came out hard and fast and didn’t look like letting up despite the best efforts of Blaze, who left nothing to chance in the final term.
Kaylah Loulanting was strong to the post once again for Blaze while Sarah Hogan also made her presence felt. But it was the defensive efforts from Indya Forde and Ellen Doyle that stood out with the pair causing numerous turnovers and allowing Geelong to sneak ahead. Bronwyn Taylor was influential through the midcourt as was wing defence Olivia Ellis but the Blaze simply couldn’t generate enough momentum to stop the Cougars.
Emma Budwala put in a mountain of work under the post nailing 44 goals from 50 attempts, showcasing her strength and dominance. Nakita Singe had her work cut out for her, rotating around the circle to confuse the space but Geelong’s confidence continued to grow. Kihana Fallon provided plenty of spark through the midcourt with her drive transitioning from defence into attack.
Geelong now plays Hawks Netball in the Grand Final next week.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Geelong Cougars (57) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (39)
After falling to City West Falcons last week, the Cougars struggled to find momentum early in the first quarter with Lightning controlling the play. But the wheels slowly started to turn thanks to goal keeper Brooke Allan who was putting on a defensive show, helping her side create a handy lead.
Allan was instrumental in defence, working with Tori Honner to quell the influence of Mikaela Vaughan and Claudia Mawson at the post. Both Honner and Allan impressed with their ability to cleanly win ball back while Mel Bragg and Ally O’Connor were equally impressive around circle edge with their constant niggle and deflections. Jordan Cransberg was electric for the Lightning as was Kelsie Rainbow, but at times struggled to find the space to feed into the circle.
It was a different story up the other end for the Cougars with Zanna Woods and Julia Woolley balancing the circle perfectly and flicking the ball around to inch closer to the post. Maggie Caris, Gabby Coffey and Ramayer Gourley put up a strong defensive wall for Lightning, and while they got plenty of tips and deflections they simply couldn’t contain Geelong’s front end. Vanessa Augustini steered the ship around circle edge and really started to hit her stride in the second half.
The win sees the Cougars book in their Grand Final spot against City West Falcons next Wednesday.
All three games will be streamed live and free on Netball Victoria’s Facebook page and Kayo Sports.
6.50pm - Division 1 Hawks v Geelong
7.00pm - 19/Under City West Falcons v Southern Saints
8.45pm - Championship City West Falcons v Geelong Cougars
