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PLAY
BALL: Action in the men’s netball final between NSW
(maroon bibs) and Far North Queensland (blue bibs). FNQ’s
LT Nick Elston (GA) eyes the ball for possession as LAC
Josh Lennox (WD) reaches out in defence.
Photo: LS Jodie Brown.
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By Rachel Irving
It was a clean sweep for NSW at last month’s National Netball
titles in Sydney, taking home the winner’s trophy in the
women’s, men’s and mixed competitions.
NSW dominated the three divisions throughout the week of competition
and stormed into the women’s final undefeated.
In the men’s final, NSW took on Far North Queensland (FNQ)
and controlled the game from the outset, taking the game by
12 points, 39-27.
The NSW team were an extremely disciplined side who played a
tight game and displayed excellent circle work. FNQ played a
more rushed style of game and paid for mistakes.
Though the scoreboard showed a difference of 12 points at the
full time whistle, the game was closer than that reflected,
with outstanding performances from both sides.
FNQ’s Goal Defence, CPL Leon Roberts, and Goal Keeper,
CFN Trent Kingston were excellent in defence, while LEUT Steve
Wall for NSW was on song with his shooting and NSW Centre, LAC
Jesse Surmiak, read the play well and controlled the game through
the centre.
The mixed game between NSW and South East Queensland (SEQ) was
one of the best encounters witnessed. In the rounds, SEQ had
beaten NSW by just four points, so both teams laid it all on
the line, the game going into overtime and NSW winning by just
2 points, 35-33.
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NSW’s
LEUT Steve Wall fights off defence in a mixed game against
VIC. Photo: CPL Mick Kiker.
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From the whistle, the game was a battle, the shooters literally
going point for point and defence working hard to shut down
the attack.
LEUT Steve Wall played again for NSW and delivered some excellent
shots into the ring, while the team’s defenders, LAC Peter
Jannsen and CAPT Michelle Wynn provided support at the other
end.
In the third quarter, NSW, up by just one goal, 16-15, let themselves
down by allowing several turnovers to occur, SEQ punishing them
by scoring on each to lead by 17-16.
SEQ’s Goal Defence, CPL Murray Severin, showed excellent
hand-eye co-ordination and tipped away the ball several times
to deny NSW goals. SEQ finished the third quarter four points
up, with excellent shooting from SIG Paul Farrell and FLTLT
Tanya Leiffell.
SEQ sensed victory and pulled away by 7 points early in the
last quarter, the game seemingly over for NSW and frustrations
building.
But Wall began to make a real impact in the circle for NSW and
with 4 unanswered goals, the difference was quickly just 3 points.
Another two for the home side and the score was suddenly just
a point difference.
With a tie at full time, the game went into overtime, NSW eventually
pulling away to take the title in a thriller, 35-33.
The women’s game was comparably a one-sided contest between
the home side, NSW and Victoria, NSW punishing the visitors,
34-19.
NSW had a good start to the game and took the first quarter
by 5 goals.
Victoria’s tight defence closed the game and saw the visitors
get within 3, with nice shooting from VIC’s LT Chris Pope,
who didn’t let the height of her opponent, NSW Goal Defence
LACW Katie Redding, deter her.”
