By Armin Richter
The start of the Outer East finals this week for Premier Division saw Monbulk’s two finalists in the netball head to Woori Yallock. The high winds that had been buffeting the state were showing no signs of abating, but the rain held off for the day.
A GRADE
Monbulk’s Senior netball side had easily made the final six, with an 11 win, 6 loss and 1 draw season, being 10 points ahead of Upwey-Tecoma in seventh place. Their recent form had dropped off though, until last week’s win against ROC. They were also 10 points behind Wandin (14-4), who had finished 3rd and were to be their opponent in the 1st Elimination Final. Except for missing the injured Paige Whitworth, Monbulk had a full squad of 11 players available. The Woori courts are somewhat protected from the wind however the blustery conditions still caused some issues.
The Hawks made a good start to skip out to a 4-1 lead in the first few minutes, only to see Wandin settle down to score the next 5 goals. Monbulk then played their best netball in this match to nail the last 7 goals of the opening quarter which established a nice five goal break by the first change. Jamie Clark and Georgia Himmelreich were intercepting in the mid court, Abbey Whitaker blanketed Wandin’s Emmalia Blake and Peri Reid was making good position under the ring and converting well.
Wandin tightened up in the second term and the match became willing at times, with several collisions taking place as neither side was prepared to give an inch. During the second and third quarters Monbulk missed a few passes to their forwards and a few shots at goal failed to land. Wandin pounced on this and turned around a five goal deficit into a two goal lead.
The Hawks battled hard to the finish but were unable to make inroads on the scoreboard and eventually fell three goals shy of the Bulldogs. The match was very even and both sides put on a great display in the conditions. Unfortunately for the Hawks their season has come to a close.
Best players for Monbulk: Georgia Himmelreich, Stephanie Ferguson, Jamie Clark
UNDER 15s
Monbulk’s Under 15s have had a sensational first season competing against predominantly seasoned clubs from the South-East Corridor. The Hawks won 9, lost 6 and drew 1 during the year to finish in third place and clinch a spot in the Qualifying Final against Berwick, who had finished second with a 10-6 record. The two teams had only met once during the home and away matches, in the opening round, where Monbulk claimed a 2 goal win.
These sides were evenly matched and gave a great exhibition of finals netball. Monbulk won each quarter, but only just, as they were able to maintain pressure throughout the game. Despite positional changes each quarter, which affected their structure, the young Hawks showed that they are a versatile team and have a good understanding of each other’s play.
Monbulk will now face the undefeated ROC in the 2nd Semi Final at Yarra Glen this week for a spot in the Grand Final. The loser of that match will go into the Preliminary final against the winner of the Berwick v Narre Warren 1st Semi Final.
Best Players for Monbulk: Isla Stubbs, Bridie McCormick, Isabelle Cross
