PDNL | United marks return of finals with a win

By Bransen Gibson

Aug 16, 2022

Taking aim: Picola United's Emily Atkinson readies to take a shot at goal as her teammate Grace Byrnes watches on. Photo: Michelle Legge

It’s been a long time coming, but Picola United has celebrated the return of finals action in the Picola District Netball League with an eight-goal win over Jerilderie on Sunday.

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With post-season netball returning for the first time since 2019, after two years of cancellations due to COVID-19, the Blues advanced to the semi-finals thanks to their 43-35 triumph over the Demons.

With its finals future on the line, United got off to a fast start, jumping out to a 16-5 lead at the first break.

Its opening-term blitz proved to be the difference. The Dees outscored the Blues 30-26 over the next three quarters, but it was not enough to overcome United’s early advantage.

The result was a reversal of United’s clash against Jerilderie earlier this season, with the Demons winning 49-45 in round six.

The Blues will be aiming for at least a repeat of their most recent finals campaign, although they will be hoping to go one better.

United reached the last PDNL grand final back in 2019, falling to Strathmerton 42-35 in the decider. The Blues finished sixth that year — the same position they ended this season in.

A semi-final now awaits United, with the Blues set to face the winner of this weekend’s Tungamah and Waaia clash.

The Blues will have an extra advantage regardless of who they face, with the game set to be played at Picola.

In other finals action, Tocumwal’s season has come to an end after it was handed a seven-goal defeat by Katunga on Saturday afternoon in the league’s other elimination final.

The Swans led at every break, picking up their second win over the Bloods this year after also topping them in the regular season.

Katunga will now take on either Strathmerton or Katamatite, with their semi-final to be held at Yarroweyah.

Both the Swans and United will enjoy a week off before taking to the court on Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28.