PDL | Gallery | Strathmerton, Katamatite netball battle headlines finals week two

By Daniel Webb

Aug 22, 2022

Week two of the Picola District League finals series delivered just as much excitement as the first, with a number of local sides in action.

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On the netball courts Strathmerton weathered an early Katamatite storm on Saturday afternoon to progress to the next round of the A-grade netball finals series.

The 44-to-36 qualifying final win over the Tigers at Katamatite was an entertaining contest, with both sides showing plenty of fight.

Early in the game things were neck and neck, with the Bulldogs holding a one-goal lead at quarter-time, before extending this to three goals at the half-time break.

Passing option: Katamatite's Hannah Bray looks to pass the ball. Photo by Daniel Webb

In the third term Strathmerton shot clear, building a 10-goal lead and despite an improved final stanza from the Tigers, it was the Bulldogs who secured passage to the preliminary final.

Strathmerton coach Olivia Osborne said it was exciting to book a spot in the next round, however, there was still work to be done.

Good win: Strathmerton coach Olivia Osborne said it was a team effort. Photo by Daniel Webb

“Finals is completely different,” Osborne said.

“Nerves in the first half had us a little bit rattled and they (Katamatite) came out strong, they came out wanting it probably just as much as we did which we expected.

“It was a whole team effort again today.”

Under pressure: Strathmerton's Kate Betson looks to get around her opponent. Photo by Daniel Webb

Osborne said the Bulldogs’ midcourt was a standout on the day, with Jemmah Ryan performing well in centre and Grace Thomson standing out in wing attack, while Emily Buzza shot well in the attacking ring.

Great performance: Katamatite's Sophie Bray had a good day in the midcourt. Photo by Daniel Webb

On the other side of the coin, Katamatite coach Tess Saunders said there was plenty of positives to take away from the contest and with a second chance, the Tigers are far from out of the competition.

“Even coming out and winning the last quarter, that’s a positive,” Saunders said.

“We probably lost 10 minutes in the third quarter which cost us, the pressure from Strathy was fantastic, which is a testament to them.”

On to the next one: Katamatite coach Tesslyn Saunders said the Tigers would work on a few things. Photo by Daniel Webb

We’ll just work on the few things that didn’t really work today and just keep going through the motions."

Sophie Bray stood out for the Tigers with a consistent four-quarter performance.

Defensive duty: Strathmerton's Vanessa Ward looks for a teammate. Photo by Daniel Webb

Meanwhile on Sunday, Tungamah secured passage through to the A-grade semi-final with a tight one-goal win over Waaia at Blighty.

The 46-to-45 result was a thrilling contest, with the Bears coming from three goals down at half-time to pick up the win.

Next week Katamatite will take on Katunga in Yarroweyah on Saturday in the first semi-final, while Picola United and Waaia will face off in Picola for a chance at a preliminary final berth on Sunday.

Up and about: Strathmerton's Grace Thomson in full flight. Photo by Daniel Webb

Meanwhile on the football field, Waaia cruised to victory against Strathmerton at Blighty on Sunday.

A disappointing start to the finals for the Bulldogs, the 13.15 (93) to 4.5 (29) defeat sets up a semi-final encounter with Katamatite in Yarroweyah on Saturday.

Happy days: Tungamah's Josh Chapman celebrates a goal for his side. Photo by Daniel Webb

In the weekends other PDL qualfying final, Tungamah edged out Katunga in an extra time thriller at Katamatite on Saturday.

With the scores level at the end of the four quarters the umpires allocated five minutes each way, with the Bears securing passage to the preliminary final with a 13.20 (98) to 13.6 (86) win.

The result means Katunga will take on Katandra in Picola on Sunday afternoon.