The top four have proved themselves to be worthy finalists with over a ten point gap between the Northern Hawks in fourth and the team in fifth place. Despite the large gap to teams not competing in finals the top four sides in Arrows, Cripps Waratah, Cavaliers and Northern Hawks are separated only by five points with only one win separating the top three. This should lead to some tight and unpredictable netball across Saturday at the Silverdome, Launceston.
Cripps Waratah unlucky to not finish with a double chance having missed out by the smallest of percentage will be looking to mount a sustain run at the title when they face a Myrtle Ridge Northern Hawks side who appear to be peaking at the right time of the season. Hawks will be looking to go further than last year where they fell at the first hurdle losing to Arrows whilst Cripps Waratah will be looking to make their fourth consecutive grand final and avenge their previous three losses. Cripps coach Aaron Pidgeon said his side needs contributions from all players and to be on their game if they are to come away with the victory.
“We just need to focus on playing our best netball and getting a solid contribution from all players. They’ve got an extremely potent attack end and a very good backend led by Steffi Grenda, so we will need to be on top of our game”
Hawks having recorded seven wins in a row including over last year’s premiers they appear to be clicking at the right time and a dangerous proposition for any side. Hawks coach Kellie Woolnough’s side is looking forward to the opportunity that the weekend presents.
“Northern Hawks and are enjoying great form leading up to this weekend in Saturday’s elimination final against Cripps. Our minds are firmly set in finals mode and we are sticking to our normal routine to keep the season on track”
Minor premiers Lexus Arrows meet last year’s premiers Country Club Cavaliers with the victor to secure not only a spot in the title decider but the right to host the grand final. Cavaliers and Arrows have met three times this season with the sides securing one victory each the other being a thrilling draw way back in round 1. Despite her sides last result against the opposition Lynda Colgrave coach of the Cavaliers is expecting a tough game.
“We know we have a tough opponent this weekend but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
Arrows coach Andrew Jackson is looking forward to welcoming back key players and hopes his side can turn the tables from recent result on Cavaliers.
“We are looking forward to getting the finals series started. We will be at full strength with the three players; Kath Olechowski, Nat Downton & Katelyn Fryett that missed last week returning to the side.”
“We will be expecting a tightly contested game and will need to counter Cavs full court defensive pressure. The last time we played them we were very disappointed with the result and will obviously need to be much better on Saturday night in Launceston.” Jackson said.
In the 19 and Under games top side Cavaliers face second placed Glendon Kingston Blues in a rematch of last years Grand Final. Whilst Burnie Tigers and Cripps Waratah do battle to keep their seasons alive after finishing in the top four.
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19/U 1st Semi-final: 1.00pm
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Burnie Tigers vs. Cripps Waratah
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Opens 1st Semi-final: 3.00pm
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Cripps Waratah vs. Northern Hawks
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19/U 2nd Semi-final: 5.00pm
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Country Club Cavaliers vs. Glendon Kingston Blues
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Opens 2nd Semi-final: 7.00pm
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Lexus Arrows vs. Country Club Cavaliers
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Doors will open at 12.00pm.
