Cripps Waratah and Devon will face off for 19U premiership honours in Saturday's Tasmanian Netball League Grand Final, in a rematch of their qualifying final clash three weeks ago.
Cripps Waratah punched their ticket straight through to the decider with a 43-35 win over Devon in the qualifying final on 4 July, a result that handed them a week off to prepare for the big dance.
Devon's path has been the harder road. Given a second chance after that qualifying final loss, they were made to work for their spot in the Grand Final, edging out Cavaliers U19 50-48 in a preliminary final thriller at Silverdome on Saturday. The two-goal margin will have tested every bit of composure in the young Devon side, and they'll head into Saturday's decider full of confidence after proving they can win when it matters most.
For Cripps Waratah, there's also a point to prove. This time last year they made it all the way to the Grand Final but fell short against Northern Hawks, and that near miss will be fresh in the minds of the team's returning players as they look to go one better in 2026.
The season head-to-head favours Cripps Waratah, who hold a 3-1 record over Devon across the year, including that qualifying final victory. History suggests Cripps will start favourites, but Grand Finals have a habit of rewriting the form guide, and Devon will fancy their chances of avenging that qualifying final result on the big stage.
Saturday's Grand Final will be played at Silverdome, with first centre pass at 2pm. If you can't make it court side, catch the action live on Kommuntiy TV.
