Heart in your mouth moments and close shaves seemed to be the memo last night as the VNL finals kicked into gear. City West Falcons pulled off a triumphant overtime win against ladder leaders Geelong Netball in their Championship clash to earn a one-way ticket to the Grand Final, while Hawks Netball caused an upset in Division 1 handing North East Blaze their first loss of the season.
Championship
Geelong Cougars (65) defeated by City West Falcons (70)
Melbourne University Lightning (54) defeated North East Blaze (50)
The thrilling overtime battle between Geelong Cougars and City West Falcons was a match for the ages. With scores all tied up at 54 goals apiece the game was sent into overtime, meaning an additional 14 minutes of netball. With momentum, belief and a roaring crowd behind them the Falcons rallied to take a five-goal win and progress into the Grand Final.
Geelong controlled proceedings in the opening three quarters with Julia Woolley and Zanna Woods dictating play under the post. Zara Walters and Vanessa Augustini impressed through the midcourt with their patience and pinpoint passes into the circle. But as momentum started to shift, the influence of Falcons defenders Melissa Oloamanu and Zoe Davies became more threatening as they picked off intercepts and propelled the ball back down the court.
The connection between Uneeq Palavi, Maggie Lind and Montana Holmes came to the fore late with the trio slicing and dicing their way through the Cougars defence to pull back the deficit. Tori Honner and Brooke Allan were on the ropes as the defensive duo worked in overdrive to stop the speed of ball into the circle, but it was to no avail.
Geelong have now set up a date with Melbourne University Lightning in next week’s preliminary final.
Division 1
North East Blaze (49) defeated by Hawks Netball (54)
City West Falcons (47) defeated by Geelong Cougars (57)
The pressure was well and truly on from the moment North East Blaze and Hawks Netball hit the court. In the end it was the never-say-die attitude from the Hawks that got them over the line and handed the Blaze their first loss of the 2022 season.
Kaylah Loulanting and Sarah Hogan formed a strong combination for Blaze in the circle once again with the pair more than happy to share the shooting load around. The work from Kali Dolphin and Sam Coppinger through the midcourt was impressive throughout the match, hitting circle edge with precision and great timing.
Despite heading into game as underdogs and missing their star goaler Dominique Taylor, the Hawks seemed unfazed as the likes of Hannah Keane and Elle Rice stepped up inside the goal circle. They withstood relentless pressure from Blaze defenders Nakita Singe and Ruby Tidd to inch closer to the post and score.
With intensity rising in the final moments of the game the Hawks showcased nerves of steel as Chloe Duke and Sally Deller put up a strong defensive wall to help progress their side into the Grand Final.
Blaze will now meet Geelong Cougars in their do-or-die preliminary final next week.
19/Under
Melbourne University Lightning (49) defeated by City West Falcons (53)
Peninsula Waves (49) defeated by Wilson Storage Southern Saints (63)
Southern Saints claimed a huge victory against Peninsula Waves in their knockout battle in the 19/Under division. After an even start in the opening quarter the Saints ran away with the game, scoring a massive 20 goals to 13 in the final term to leapfrog their way into the preliminary final.
The rotating circle paid dividends for the Saints with Sophia Bloch, Charlize Buskermolen and Malia Seumanutafa hitting the scoreboard with great accuracy to keep the likes of Talia Anderson and Lauren Pratt busy.
Mia van Wyk was instrumental down back, using her quick turn of speed and long arms to cause all sorts of havoc and pairing nicely with teammates Megan Galetti and Zoe Leaver to create a strong wall. The Waves didn’t go down without a fight, Jessica Tetley working in overdrive to apply scoreboard pressure and midcourter Eryn Stocker manoeuvring her way around the circle to secure prime feeding position.
The Saints will take on Melbourne University Lightning in next week’s preliminary final for a coveted place in the Grand Final.
