A GRADE – HATHERLEIGH v TANTANOOLA
THE Mid South East netball preliminary finals offer plenty of action this weekend and in the A Grade Hatherleigh takies on Tantanoola.
The Eagles went down to Kalangadoo last weekend by just three goals, while Tantanoola overcame Mount Burr in the first semi-final and have had a week off prior to the knock-out final.
Hatherleigh was impressive against Kalangadoo, in what was a tough and physical encounter and almost snatched victory.
Tantanoola has had an impressive season and kept a consistent team on the court.
Their two meetings this season have seen Hatherleigh come out on top.
The Eagles’ strong attack line of Keston Green and Lacey Haines combine well.
Haines has had an outstanding season in both her junior and senior netball.
She possesses speed, skill and accurate shooting.
With the experience of Green alongside, they are hard to beat in the circle.
Tegan Merrett was outstanding last the weekend, putting her body on the line several times, while Maddie Pulmer and Maddie Redman gained many timely intercepts .
The Tigers also boast some impressive players.
Emma Gould is one the Eagles will need to stop.
She has had an impressive season, winning the Under 21 award jointly with Haines.
She works well with Jami Walker, who possesses speed, fast hands and the ability to shoot well under pressure.
Their mid-court trio of Casey Walker and Vic and Alex Lucas are dangerous.
Vic Lucas was important for the Tigers in their win against Mount Burr, taking crucial intercepts down the court.
Kate Bromley is ever reliable in goal defence, while 17 and Under player Tayla Rowe has grown into the goal keeper role.
Nerves will play a role as they often do and both teams will need to settle quickly to try to get on top early.
While past meetings probably have Hatherleigh as the favourite, finals are a different ball game and the Tigers will provide a real challenge as they look for a grand final berth.
A RESERVE – GLENCOE v PORT MACDONNELL
The A Reserve final sees Glencoe take on Port MacDonnell.
The Murphies come off a nail-biter, going down to Kalangadoo by two goals last week.
The Demons defeated Tantanoola in the first semi-final with a convincing 20-goal win.
When the teams met earlier in the year, it was Glencoe that secured both wins.
Megan Hein has added some height, skill and experience to the Demons’ goal circle
Glencoe secured Taitlyn Rothe this year, who has enjoyed a consistent season.
Strong defensive line-ups serve both teams well.
Holly Smith and Belinda O’Dine are experienced campaigners for the Demons and always looking for that intercept.
Playing coach Narelle Lewis will steady the Demons’ attack line with her finals experience in what should be an exciting game to watch.
B GRADE – GLENCOE v TANTANOOLA
In the B Grade Glencoe takes on Tantanoola.
Glencoe went down by eight goals to Kalangadoo in the second semi-final, while Tantanoola had a win over Hatherleigh in the first semi-final.
Tantanoola’s goalies Bec Millowick and Nicole Rutkowski were in good form in their semi, while Kath Taylor was also impressive on the attacking wing.
Glencoe has a strong defensive line which will cause headaches for the Tigers.
Sam Brieley and Sally McDonnell are a strong combo for the Murphies, with Bianca Easterbrook also able to switch from goals to defence if needed.
Glencoe also have Abbie Cocks who is a very valuable and experienced goalie.
Previous encounters saw Glencoe secure both wins, one by the slimmest of margins, so this one should be a cracker.
B RESERVE – HATHERLEIGH V GLENCOE
Hatherleigh faces Glencoe in the B Reserve knock out final in what should be another exciting match.
The Eagles lost by just three goals last week against Kalangadoo, while Glencoe was impressive in the first semi-final against Port MacDonnell.
For the Eagles, Indi Marshall shoots accurately and teams well with Di Loveday.
Glencoes goalies Lauren Kenny and Britt Liebich are also a strong combination and hard to beat on their day.
Both teams also have strong defensive units, with Georgia Chant strong for the Eagles and teams well with Fiona Jackman, while Glencoe’s Krystal Owen and Kate Sealey are hard at the ball.
When the teams met during the season it was Hatherleigh by a single goal in their first match and the rematch was cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.
17 AND UNDER – KALANGADOO v MOUNT BURR
In the 17 and Under clash Kalangadoo takes on Mount Burr, with the magpies coming off a big loss to Hatherleigh, while the Mozzies had a strong win against Robe in the first semi-final.
These teams have met twice this season, with comfortable victories to Kalangadoo.
Mount Burr will look to continue its good form, but it should be Kalangadoo to claim the grand final berth.
15 AND UNDER – HATHERLEIGH v KALANGADOO
Hatherleigh and Kalangadoo kick proceedings off in the first match of the day, the 15 and Under clash.
Hatherleigh was defeated by Mount Burr last week by just two goals.
Kalangadoo were impressive against Port MacDonnell in the first semi-final and enjoyed the week off.
These teams have only met once during the year and it was Kalangadoo that ran away with an eight-goal win.
It should be a cracking game, regardless of the eventual winner.
13 AND UNDER – HATHERLEIGH v MT BURR
In the 13 and Under final Hatherleigh takes on Mount Burr for a shot at the unrelenting Kalangadoo in the grand final.
Both teams are quite versatile and will not be afraid to make changes if necessary.
Kalangadoo appears to be in a league of their own this season, but that will not deter the Eagles or Mozzies, who both would love the opportunity to experience the excitement of playing in a grand final.
