Mallee 1 secured its place in this season’s Esperance Netball Association A1 grand final next Saturday after a 46-32 qualifying final victory against United 1 at the Esperance Indoor Stadium last Thursday night.
It was nip and tuck in the first half as United 1 reduced the margin to two goals at the main break courtesy of late goals to Rani Hotker.
Mallee 1 v United 1. Photos: Greg Symes.
Mallee 1 then noticeably increased its physicality in the third and fourth terms, controlled by the defensive trio of Alysha Castelli, Eliza Vlasich and Amy Delcaro leading to a nine goal burst which blew the margin out to 14 goals early in the last term.
For Mallee 1, Castelli was outstanding with her ball hunting and interceptions at wing defence as Sarah McMahon was its main avenue for scoring with 25 goals.
Lilly Dalton and Caitlin Blackman tried hard for United 1 which will meet Newtown 1 in tonight’s preliminary final after its win against Gibson 1 71-39 in last Friday’s elimination final.
Gibson 1 v Newtown 1. Photos: Greg Symes.
Missing the services of sharp shooter Dannii Newton and renown defender Chelsea Exell the Tigers found the going tough against the taller Demons outfit.
Newtown 1 shooters Mia Moeauri (53 goals) and Molly Mackenzie (17 goals) feasted on their height advantage in the attacking circle, getting great service from Molly Hodges in centre.
Molly Pechar (11 goals) played brilliantly for the Tigers at wing attack in the first half and was effective when moving into the shooting circle after half time, joined by Kalira Docherty (23 goals) as Gibson 1’s better players.
In the lower divisions both Gibson and United had teams take the direct route into the final match of the season, Gibson 2 (A2), United 4 (A3), United 5 (A4) and Gibson 5 (A5) all successful in the qualifying finals.
