With minor premiers Lexus Arrows already having earned their spot in the final courtesy of a 15 point victory over second placed Northern Hawks, the spotlight now turns to the teams who finished second and third on the ladder with Cripps Waratah bowing out last weekend.
In the Opens preliminary final Myrtle Ridge Northern Hawks host Bellamy’s Organic Cavaliers. This doubles as clash between the two northern rivals with the winner to face Lexus Arrows in the 2015 Grand Final.
Hawks have had the edge over the Cavaliers this year having won two of their three encounters but it will count for little if they fail to defeat them this weekend. If Hawks are to win they will need to show more consistency across the four periods than last weekend. Playing Coach Steffi Grenda and her side will need to be aware of Cavaliers goalie Estelle Margetts who has shot at 76% this season second only to Arrows player Sophie Gunn.
Cavaliers are coming off a 22 point win over last year’s premiers Cripps Waratah. They will be confident of upsetting Hawks this weekend after defeating them in the last round of the home and away season by two points. The 2013 premiers Cavaliers will, however, find this weekend’s task more difficult. Cavaliers will need to be wary of Hawks goalie Zoe Claridge who was very impressive with her long range shooting in their loss to Arrows last weekend.
In the 19 and Under Preliminary final Cripps Waratah are up against Myrtle Ridge Northern Hawks for the opportunity to fight out the 19 and Under decider against Bellamy’s Organic Cavaliers.
Cripps will be very disappointed with themselves after their loss to Cavaliers last weekend having lost only one game throughout the entire home and away season. Cripps will be out to recover from their loss to Cavaliers and book a ticket to the grand final. However they must overcome the Northern Hawks who, in recent weeks, have improved on their early season form knowing that they now have a real chance of playing in the grand final.
Hawks will be up against it having lost all three of their games to Cripps this season by an average of just over 19 goals. Hawks will need to negate Cripps defensive pairing of Alex Vinen and Ashlee Campbell if they are to have any chance of making the grand final.
Catch all of the preliminary finals action at the Silverdome, Launceston this weekend, Saturday the 6th of June.
Doors will open at 3:00pm.
The Grand Finals will be held on Saturday the 13th of June, at the Hobart Netball & Sports Centre.
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