A RESERVE – KALANGADOO 54 d HATHERLEIGH 33
KALANGADOO and Hatherleigh battled it out in the Mid South East netball A Reserve qualifying final on Saturday.
Played at Hatherleigh, the match started as a tough contest, but it did not take long for the Magpies to take control.
The first quarter ended 14-9 in Kalangadoo’s favour, as the Russell shooting duo of Melissa and Shayden made Hatherleigh defenders Maddie Redman and Millie Smith work hard for every touch.
In the midcourt Sophie Wrightson and Deni Brown were evenly matched, showing great speed and fitness.
In the second quarter, the Magpies extended their lead to 15, pulling away with Melissa and Shayden Russell shooting with extreme accuracy.
Rosie Nettle and Reanna Weatherall also had a strong contest in the midcourt, with the former showing her speed could test Weatherall’s height advantage.
Hatherleigh’s goal circle had to work hard to find clear shooting positions as Kalangadoo’s defence kept the pressure on.
The Eagles made adjustments in the third quarter, bringing Lucy Corman back into defence alongside Redman.
Corman managed a few intercepts, but Melissa Russell’s strong two-handed rebounds kept Kalangadoo ahead, finishing the quarter 45-24.
In the final term Hatherleigh brought Imogen Nowak and Eliza Mewett into the circle to change things up, but Kalangadoo maintained possession and control, closing the game with a 54-33 victory.
Best players – Kalangadoo: Melissa Russell, Shayden Russell; Hatherleigh: Rosie Nettle, Deni Brown.
B GRADE – KALANGADOO 48 d HATHERLEIGH 46
It was an even tussle all game in the B Grade qualifying final between Kalangadoo and Hatherleigh.
The first quarter was goal-for-goal with strong defensive pressure from Hatherleigh’s Marnie Jolley and Maddie Nunan a highlight as they caused crucial turnovers.
Their efforts were matched down the other end by Kalangadoo’s defensive line of Emily Mulraney and Emma Mules.
Olivia Slattery stood strong in goal shooter and rebounded as needed, while Eliza Burton was a force to be reckoned with, shooting the long bomb with accuracy.
A great match up in the middle between Ali McLelland and Jamie Ryan also unfolded.
By half time the Magpies had managed to create a two-goal lead and at the final whistle the margin would remain the same.
Both teams came out firing in the second half.
Kalangadoo was at times able to push out the margin to four, but Hatherleigh’s fight and tenacity always had the Eagles peg it back to one or two goals.
They were never able to take the lead, but pushed their rival to the line.
Gina Gogel took the ball strongly in attack on a skilled defence and Kalangadoo maintained its two-goal lead to send the Magpies straight through to the grand final.
Best players – Kalangadoo: Gina Gogel, Jamie Ryan; Hatherleigh: Marnie Jolly, Ali McClelland.
B RESERVE – PORT MACDONNELL 61 d HATHERLEIGH 29
A strong start from Port MacDonnell had the Demons score the first four goals of their second semi-final against Hatherleigh.
That start translated into the rest of the game and at the final whistle a 32-goal win booked them a place in the B Reserve decider.
Strong defensive pressure from Bridie McPherson and Fiona Scott limited Hatherleigh’s scoring opportunities early, while Paige Cawthorne and Keely Jones had a good tussle in the mid court, with great leads and strong passes.
At quarter time the score was 16-8, with the Demons taking a lead they would not give up.
The game was fast paced throughout the midcourt, with both sides finding opportunities to intercept.
Port MacDonnell shooters Ainsley Mann and Amber Moulden dominated the goal circle and shot with confidence, while maintaining composure under the Eagles’ tight defence.
Hatherleigh called a tactical and swapped Ellen Clarke from attack to defence in a demonstration of her versatility at both ends of the court.
However, the “Bay” had stretched its lead out to 29 -13 by half time.
The final half showed why both teams deserved to be in finals as Hatherleigh rotated its line up to bring Amy Haines on at wing attack and Maddie Copping at wing defence.
Despite these changes Port MacDonnell continued to dominate the play, resisting the impressive effort of the Eagles’ mid court.
The Demons proved the better side on the day and advanced into the grand final in two week’s time.
Best players – Port MacDonnell: Fiona Scott, Amber Moulden; Hatherleigh: Keely Jones, Ellen Clarke.
