Semi final action last week saw some thrilling games of netball.
In the Premier mixed division, nothing separated Windsor Wilderbeasts and Southern Squirltes for the first 3 quarters with the lead see-sawing several times. However, in the final period, Wilderbeasts experience shone through with their two Victorian Open Men reps, Daniel Cooke and Andrew Simons leading the way and helping their side to a 51-47 victory. In the other semi final, the class and experience of Bayside Bears proved too much for Ravens as Bears ran out comfortable winners 56-34.
Whilst in Division One, Yarra Valley Young Guns proved why two of their young men (Riley Richardson and Brodie Roberts) have been selected in the 2015 Victorian Open Mens Team with a crushing 69-41 victory over an injury depleted Melbourne Meerkats. And in the 3 v 4 battle, the Titans’ experienced heads got them across the line 49-38 against a gallant Eastside Sonics who have also been hit hard by injury and illness throughout the season.
In the Premier Mens division, the Bayside Braves proved why they have remained undefeated throughout the year with a comfortable win over Western Ice. With 5 current or former Open state reps and some of the most exciting junior talent in Victoria, the Braves were a class above Ice, coasting to victory 56-40. Ice showed glimpses of brilliance and fought till the end to get the closest to the Braves out of any team this year and they will be hoping to earn another crack at them in the Grand Final.
In the minor semi final, the Seahawks and Thunder battled out an entertaining match with the mid-court experience of the Seahawks proving the difference between the two teams. Seahawks winning 62-51.
Division One Mens produced the closest semi final with the Northern Titans getting across the line 45-43 over the Northern Bullets. The Bullets now face a determined Eastside Saints in the prelim final, with Saints defeating a vastly improved Doncaster & Districts team 50-38.
Get along to the State Netball & Hockey Centre this Wednesday night from 7pm to witness the exciting prelim finals unfold!!
PRELIMINARY FINALS
Premier Mixed – Southern Squirtles v Bayside Bears – 7pm (Court 1)
Division One Mixed – Melbourne Meerkats v Northern Titans – 7pm (Court 2)
Premier MENS – Western Ice v Southern Seahawks – 8.30pm (Court 1)
Division One MENS – Northern Bullets v Eastside Saints – 8.30pm (Court 2)