LEETON-WHITTON’S A reserve netball team defeated an old enemy to land themselves a spot in this weekend’s grand final.
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Their 47-38 victory over the Wagga Tigers in the preliminary final last weekend means they will now face Collingullie-Glenfield Park in the decider.
Co-coach Caryn Deaton was impressed with last weekend’s victory over the Tigers, who the Crows have always enjoyed a strong rivalry with.
“With nothing to lose and everything to gain, we bounced back from the loss (the week before) with a persistent team effort across the court,” she said.
“Scores were almost even at every change.
“There were some confident plays and vital turnovers meant we could take the lead into the final quarter.”
Deaton said the team’s good fitness and experience on the court all helped get the Crows over the line.
A reserve is spoilt for choice when it comes to the talent and versatility within the team and this will play to their advantage on Saturday.
With the weather expected to climb above 30 degrees, the team will be using every ounce of strength to overcome the Demons.
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The two teams have had some interesting match ups this season, but the Crows are yet to knock the Demons from their perch and will go into the grand final as underdogs.
In round one, Collingullie-Glenfield Park took out a 40-35 win over Leeton-Whitton, while in round two it was an even tighter scoreline in favour of the Demons, 46-45.
In the semi-final, Collingullie-Glenfield Park took out a 13-goal victory, but Deaton wasn’t worried.
“We have analysed the last game and are bringing something different to the court for this one,” she said.
“With the high temperatures expected, we will be utilising our depth of players, bringing in fresh legs and keeping them guessing.
“I'm confident in our ability to stay in the game for a full four quarters.
“Each player knows they have a specific role within the game and I'm really counting on our experienced players to step up and play a major role on grand final day.
“We can expect a massive team effort this weekend and are looking forward to the local support (at the Narrandera stadium).
Road to the grand final
Qualifying final
Leeton-Whitton 60 d Turvey Park 54
Semi final
Collingullie-Glenfield Park 57 d Leeton-Whitton 44
Preliminary final
Leeton-Whitton 47 d Wagga Tigers 38
A MESSAGE FROM COACHES CARYN DEATON AND LIBBY GILLESPIE
A CONSISTENT season has seen our team develop and prosper throughout the course of the year.
We are spoilt for choice with a brilliant mix of talent, experience and versatility within our team. We are confident with any combination of players to take the court.
The commitment, maturity and level-headedness of all players on court has been outstanding.
Grace Korovata has topped off a magnificent club, regional, academy and state representative season by being awarded the RFNL A reserve best and fairest for 2017 at just 14 years of age.
She has been well-supported in the shooting circle by Annalyse Carroll and Keleni Tadeo-Vovoli.
The mid-court proves to be consistent and strong each week and includes Michaela Fiumara, Libby Gillespie and Suz Stevens.
Our defensive end has played a crucial role in our success this year and includes Kathryn Bechaz, Shelley Lang, Casey Morris and Kim Robertson.
We would like to thank all players, supporters and the RFNL executive and officials for their continued support throughout the year.
The belief among the girls coming into the finals is sky-high and we will be looking forward to a 100 per cent team effort on grand final day.
PLAYER LIST
- Casey Morris
- Kim Robertson
- Kathryn Bechaz
- Michaela Fiumara
- Annalyse Carroll
- Libby Gillespie
- Shelley Lang
- Teagan McKellar
- Zoe Potter
- Susan Stevens
- Grace Korovata
- Keleni Tadeo-Vovoli