KALANGADOO continued its undefeated status into the Mid South East netball finals, advancing through to the grand final with a resounding victory over Hatherleigh.
The first quarter was a tight contest, but the Magpies held the edge with a four-goal buffer.
Hatherleigh did not make the most of its opportunities and lost goal shooter Abby Wight early with a shoulder injury.
The Eagles added Emma Laucarica into the goal circle and the dynamics changed.
Kalangadoo’s defensive pressure down the court paid dividends with multiple interceptions and turnovers.
The Magpies skipped away and extended their lead early in the second with Melissa Russell and Abbey Duncan capitalising on errant passes from Hatherleigh.
As a result Kalangadoo held a seven-goal lead at the long break.
Hatherleigh’s misfortune with player injury continued with Annabel Brooks taking a spectacular tumble, hitting her head hard on the court, forcing the team to make several positional changes.
It took time for the Eagles to adjust, while Jayde Peacock continued to hold her position firmly around the circle to provide options and Eliza Hunter took a number of interceptions at wing defence.
Narelle Ryan nullified Keston Green’s impact on the game, which saw Kalangadoo extend its lead to 14 by the final break.
Hatherleigh never gave up hope entering into the last and was able to minimise the difference to 12 at one stage.
However, the Magpies’ wealth of experience and the Eagles’ depleted bench, Kalangadoo was able to finish the final with an 18-goal win.
Best for Kalanagadoo were Peacock and Duncan, while Hatherleigh’s centre court players Sarah Faulkner and Helen Hamilton were stand outs.
