MATARIKI MIGATE have fought back from as many as five goals down to defeat Strikers in the Mount Isa A grade netball grand final 37-35.
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A strong second half, led by shooter Wai Emery and wing attack Casey White, ensured Matariki didn’t fall at the final hurdle in what has been a remarkable season.
The Strikers weren’t fazed by the recent loss to Matariki by 30 goals, coming out more determined then their opponents.
Strong shooting by Strikers pair Nicole Dalla Vecchia and Stephanie Smith saw their side jump out to an 11-7 quarter-time advantage.
Strikers kept the pressure on, with defenders Amy Clark and Jamie Walsh restricting the impact of Matariki’s two shooters.
The two sides headed into the main interval with Strikers holding a four-goal lead, which they would build on early in the third quarter.
But this only awoke the Matariki beast, with star defenders Chanoa Patawai and Marita Alexander suffocating their opposite numbers in attack.
Strikers still held a slender lead heading into the decisive quarter, but Matariki carried on the momentum.
Strikers shooters cooled down under the tough pressure and could only manage six goals in the final quarter, setting up the two-point win for Matariki.
Good Shepherd Catholic College ruined 2PH Shots’ perfect season, upsetting their opponents 38-23 in the B grade final.
Playing without star Latash Venz, Shots shooter Joanne Drier started the game on fire, hitting her first three shots.
But her side couldn’t keep it up, as Good Shepherd shooters Chelsea McKavanagh and Carmen Preston shot nine first-quarter goals.
Shots maintained pressure with their rivals in the second quarter, with Kirsty Cowley coming up with some key interceptions.
But a 12-5 third quarter set up the win for the Good Shepherd girls, led by stars Phoebe Ryder and Paige Drewe.
Panthers were too strong for Workpac Wildcats in the C grade final, winning 42-26.
A 21-11 first half set up the win, with shooters Amelia Adams and Kathy McDonald combining well with their centre court players.
Skylie Wallace and Barbara Baker were leading lights for Wildcats in a losing effort.
Start’s shooters Tarnia Kippist and Brooke Herreygers proved to be the difference as they cruised to a 42-21 win against Fantales in the D grade grand final at Wellington Park. Rachel Thwaites was strong for Start while Christeena Haines was Fantales’ best player on the night.
Socialites claimed the E grade grand final in emphatic fashion, smashing Starbursts 38-13. The victors were led by Zoie Bellingham and Hayley King while Maggie Dellar was Starburst’s best.