Mallee 1 celebrate winning its third straight Esperance Netball Association Division One premiership on Saturday. Photos: Geoff Vivian
MALLEE 1 maintained its undefeated record in season 2024 to become the Esperance Netball Association Division One premiers with a 46-41 win over a determined United 1 at the Graham Mackenzie Stadium on the weekend.
Having won 11 matches, and despite being held to a 37 all draw in round 12 by its grand final opponents, Mallee 1 entered the contest as favourites, chasing their third straight Division One title.
It was United 1 however which led 24-19 at half time as it went on a run of five consecutive goals in the middle of the second quarter, Kodey Major (22 goals) and Rani Hotker (19 goals) putting on the scoreboard pressure.
Mallee 1 then reduced the margin to one goal at three quarter time, and when United 1 scored the first two goals of the last quarter to lead by three an upset was brewing.
Mallee 1 then went on a 13 goal-to-two run in the middle stages of the final stanza to stamp its authority on the match.
Amy Delcaro was awarded the MVP of the grand final, starting in the Wing Defence position before being moved to Goal Keeper for the remainder of the match.
Goal Shooter Abbey Wilson was outstanding for Mallee 1 with 10 of her 31 goals coming in the final quarter, finishing off the excellent work of Delcaro at the other end and Alysha Castelli in the midcourt.
After the grand finals, the Esperance Netball Association season wind-up was held at the Pier Hotel, Dannii Newton from Gibson 1 receiving the Division 1 MVP.
