Paky beats

A GRADE
Pakenham A Grade has contributed to a fantastic weekend for both the Pakenham Football and Netball Club, knocking off the previously undefeated Beaconsfield, who had not lost a match since 2007.
Following on from B and C Grades victory, as well as the reserves’ come-from-behind win against Narre Warren, A Grade were keen to keep the momentum rolling into their final against the ladder leaders.
From the first whistle, Pakenham showed they were ready to play on their home court, and with both tenacious defence and controlled tempo netball in attack, Pakenham attained the early control in the match. After leading by four goals midway through the first quarter, Pakenham had to settle for a one- goal lead at the first break.
With neither team willing to give an inch in the second quarter, every possession, and every turnover would prove crucial in the final outcome, and Pakenham held its nerve to again lead at the main break.
With both sides wanting to be the first to the Grand Final, the tempo lifted in the third quarter, and the supporting crowd were treated to some amazing intercepts, some rugged defence, and some quality passages of play, where neither team gave an inch or seized control. With only one goal separating both sides at the final change, the game was there for the taking.
Having learnt some valuable lessons from their previous encounter two weeks ago, Pakenham held their nerve, even when Beaconsfield took the lead midway through the last quarter, to eventually cause some crucial turnovers and run away for a five-goal victory, 47-42.
Rachel Priestly, Melinda Williamson and Cathy Leeves proved strong targets in attack, taking the points against their more fancied opponents. Michelle Webster provided much- needed drive and control through the centre third against two separate opponents, and the defensive end of Lauren Cherry , Jodie Bird and Kate McCowan worked tirelessly for 60 minutes to shut down countless Beaconsfield attacking moves, and provide Pakenham with much-needed opportunities in attack.
The week off will provide all netball sides with some much- needed recovery time to get over some niggling injuries, before attempting to take away three senior netball titles in two week’s time.
Pakenham 47 d Beaconsfield 42
B GRADE
Pakenham B Grade advanced to the Grand Final with a convincing 15-goal victory against ladder leaders Berwick on Saturday. Having beaten Berwick by over 20 goals during the season, Pakenham were confident of repeating its performance, and enjoying a week’s rest.
Pakenham enjoyed a six-goal lead at quarter time. With Erin Cunningham and Jill Tivendale working tirelessly in defence, and with assistance from Emily Hunt at wing defence, they continued to force the Berwick attacking end into constant errors, and by half time, Pakenham had opened up a 12-goal lead, and were looking the goods.
Kristie Columb and Laura Christie at centre and wing attack were too quick and smart for their opponents , which provided the Pakenham goalers with numerous goaling opportunities.
Pakenham’s lead allowed coach Nicole March the flexibility of rotating and resting players during the second half, and such is the strength of the side, Toni Dart, Jess Dart and Jess Benn all made impacts on the match during their court time in the second half.
Pakenham 48 d Berwick 33
C GRADE
Intensity, constructive talk and willingness to work for each other were the winners on the day at an interesting match. Beaconsfield contested strongly, applying pressure on every pass but the patience of Pakenham and the consistent work rate enabled them to build on to the level score at the first change.
Pakenham’s second quarter with an 11-5 score gave them many turnovers and Pakenham had control of the game. With Pakenham’s accurate shooting, they were able to maintain their game plan and were rewarded with a great win.
Pakenham 31 d Beaconsfield 23.