The VNL semi finals had it all - with strong performances shining through and one match going down to the wire in extra time. City West Falcons are through to the Championship and 19&U grand finals for the second consecutive year, while Geelong Cougars earned their place in the Division 1 final.
CHAMPIONSHIP
City West Falcons (59) defeated Geelong Cougars (52)
Boroondara Express (50) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (44)
City West Falcons have cemented a spot in the Championship Grand Final with a seven-goal win over Geelong Cougars. Sharpshooter Jane Cook continued her red-hot form in attack, scoring a phenomenal 48 goals at 92% accuracy, while Zanna Woods fought hard at the opposite end of the court with 29 of her own.
Boroondara Express are through to the preliminary final after defeating Melbourne University Lightning by six goals. The sides were hard to separate for the first three quarters, but an explosive final term from Express proved to be the difference. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the crowd were treated to a game changing defensive effort from Sarah Szczykulski. She was well supported in attack by Isabelle Hodgson, who scored 43 of Express’ 50 goals. Lightning’s Ramayer Gourley was valiant as goalkeeper against a strong Express lineup.
Geelong Cougars will face Boroondara Express in a do-or-die preliminary final on Wednesday night.
DIVISION 1
Geelong Cougars (54) defeated Hawks Netball (37)
City West Falcons (53) defeated by North East Blaze (54)
Geelong Cougars enjoyed a 17-goal win over Hawks Netball to secure their spot in the Division 1 Grand Final. Ellen Doyle stood tall in the circle with 45 goals at 94% accuracy, while Charlotte Morey and Kiahna Fallon combined well in the midcourt. Kaila Swindell gave it her all for the Hawks, showcasing her court coverage and ability to read the play across the four quarters.
North East Blaze will play in next week’s preliminary final after edging out City West Falcons by a single goal. Abby Gedge had a night to remember under the post, scoring 43 goals, while Chloe Langley and Teal Hocking were courageous for the Falcons with 52 between them. Blaze’s Madeline George was outstanding in goal defence with multiple intercepts throughout the match.
Hawks Netball will take on North East Blaze to battle it out for the remaining spot in this division’s Grand Final.
19&UNDER
Melbourne University Lightning (53) defeated by City West Falcons (55)
North East Blaze (55) defeated Hawks Netball (40)
City West Falcons have ended Melbourne University Lightning’s winning streak to cement a coveted spot in the 19&U Grand Final. The sides couldn’t be seperated at the final whistle, but an impressive extra time from the Falcons proved too strong. Holly Adams-Alcock was solid in attack, scoring 40 goals at 91% accuracy, while Charlotte Sexton had another great week in goalkeeper. Defender Tepaea Hobson fought hard for the Lightning in the side’s narrow loss.
North East Blaze are locked in for the preliminary final after defeating Hawks Netball by 15 goals. Talasa Helen Aumua and Charlee Duff-Tytler put on show in the circle with a combined 42 goals, while Luiza Sulemani had a standout performance in the back third. Hawks’ Sienna Green gave it her all in the midcourt against a strong Blaze outfit.
Melbourne University Lightning have set up a date with North East Blaze in next week’s preliminary final.
UP NEXT
Preliminary Final
Wednesday 2 August
CHAMPIONSHIP
DIVISION 1
19&U
