Our First Day of Netball Finals was Today !!

We had an early start this morning as Nikki and Laura Boxall both played their games at 8.45am (poor Lisa and Darren had to swap between the two games - what's the chances??). Nikki's U/11 team was undefeated for all the rostered games, and they showed their dominance again today with a solid win (although was a bit shaky mid-way through the game) - they now get a break next week and will play the following week in the Grand Final.

Laura's team U/15 Div 3 weren't so lucky :(
They had a hard game (Elimination Final) against Kilburn and although they managed to keep the margin to within a few goals all game, Kilburn eventually took out the game and sadly Laura's 2008 Club Netball Season ended.

Chelsea's U/13 Div 1 team played Karana in their Elimination Final at 10.15am. Although Karana had not beaten Chels' team throughout the rostered matches, they came out played hard and fast right from the first whistle and Cripps felt the pressure and were only just in front at the first break. Chels played a great game in the Centre Position and tried extremely hard to put pressure on her opponent. Teaghan Honey (Chels' STNA & Southern Gold School Team mate) also played a terrific game on the wing for Karana. Karana game out fighting in the second quarter and totally left Cripps for dead!!!! At half time Karnana lead by 8 goals.

Chelsea moved into the Goal Shooter position when they commenced the third quarter. She teamed well with Lauren in the Goal Attack position and they managed to head into the final quarter only 2 goals down (25 - 27)!!
**There was a bit of controversy - the siren sounded as the Cripps team was heading to the goal third....but the umpires didn't hear it (nor did the teams on the next court) and Cripps scored a goal - the Karana coach was going NUTS at the umpire - the umpires ruled the goal to count !!

The final quarter was the nail biter !!! Cripps came out playing hard and were the victors by just 1 goal (33 - 32)....yes the dreaded goal that was allowed after the siren at the end of the third quarter. We felt for Teaghan, but gladly accepted the win as any other would.

It was now time to head to court 5 (11:45am) to watch Bec Boxall and Ellen Bowerman's Elimination Final against OHA (U/17's Div 1). This too was a hard fought game and with much disappointment we watched the team go down by 7 goals. It should be noted that Sara White (OHA - GA) played extremely well and it goes to show that if a goalie shoots close to 100% in her game then her team will win. An outstanding performance Sara !!

We then made our way over to court 6 to watch Tracey & Jo (Third Grade) play in their Elimination Final against OHA. The girls were only 1 or 2 goals down at the end of ever quarter, but with Jo and Andrea's intercepts and their chasing of loose balls along with Tracey and Janine's exceptional shooting in the Final Quarter, they eventually took out the game by 6 goals. Well done Team !!

Claire then played with DJ's First Grade at 4.15pm on Court 5. She warmed the bench during the first quarter and then took to the court at Goal Shooter for the 2nd, 3rd and final quarter. Although they played well at times, their unforced turnovers cost them valuable goals and consequently the game. Claire (aka Fuzz) played a good game though and scored many goals and also assisted Janelle Smith (Goal Attack) with many screens that enabled her to score.

So out of the original number of 6 (players / teams) that we were watching today:
Nikki U/11's
Laura U/15's div 3
Chelsea U/13's div 1
Bec U/17's div 1
Tracey & Jo Third Grade
Fuzz First Grade

Only 3 progress through to next week (although Nikki gets a week's rest as they now play in the Grand Final in 2 weeks time) they are:

Nikki U/11's
Chelsea U/13's div 1
Tracey & Jo Third Grade

Congratulations girls on a great season (for those who have now finished for 2008) and Best of Luck to those who are continuing on in the coming weeks.

Cheers
Lisa :)