Monbulk’s A Grade netballers had been on a hot streak recently, having won 10 of their last 12 matches to secure a finals spot. They went into their Elimination Final against Wandin with the knowledge that their best could match it with any side. The day did not progress as well as was hoped. Wandin applied great pressure which caused passes to be intercepted, or miss their mark, and shots on goal refused to drop in. The intensity of the Monbulk players couldn’t be faulted but, as the Bulldogs established a break, their confidence grew and their game went to another level. The resultant margin was a disappointing end to what had been a magnificent step up to Premier Division this season.
Monbulk 37 def by Wandin 57
Best: Paige Whitworth, Sophie Stubbs, Nicole Macdowell
Goals: Stephanie Puopolo 26, Sophie Stubbs 11
The B Grade netballers representing the Hawks had finished the regular season in second place and were to produce the only win for Monbulk on the day. They were able to answer every challenge that ROC could throw at them and controlled the contest for the majority of the play. The whole team played a great game of consistent netball across both attack and defence. Late in the game, they had gotten out to a 9-goal lead before a lapse allowed the Kangaroos to narrow the gap to 4 by the end of the match. The Hawks will now meet Narre Warren in the 2nd Semi Final next week for a chance to progress to the Grand Final.
Monbulk 41 def ROC 37
Best: Rihanna Kelly, Iris de Wit, Elizabeth Cutting
Goals: Iris de Wit 38, Olivia Crook 3
