DROUIN Netball Club will be aiming for four flags after its Bgrade and 17andunder teams had good wins in their preliminary finals at the weekend.
They will join Agrade and Cgrade to play in grand finals at Traralgon next weekend.
B GRADE
Drouin was keen to return to winning form after suffering its first loss of the season in the second semifinal to Traralgon.
With Garfield in top form, Drouin needed to be focused on its own game.
Its first quarter was excellent with minimal errors and great defensive pressure resulting in a 16 goal to seven first quarter.
Keira Rees was a focal point at goal shooter, working hard for possession and shooting truly.
Drouin was not as dominant in the second, but still won the quarter to extend its lead at halftime.
With both teams fully utilising its bench in the hot conditions, Drouin was still striving to increase its lead, giving Garfield little opportunity of victory.
Drouin defenders, Deb Thomas and Lia Olsen were determined and persistent all game, limiting Garfield’s opportunities at goal.
The work of Lia Olsen (GK) was recognised by the umpires, awarding her best on court.
Drouin finished off the game in style, despite Garfield’s valiant attempts to keep scoring and will be striving for its fourth consecutive premiership.
Scores: Drouin 58 d Garfield 34.
Award winners: Keira Rees, Deb Thomas and Kelly Bethune.
17 AND UNDER
This was a replay of the qualifying final in which Drouin scored a comfortable win.
However, this was a different match and Drouin has enormous respect for Sale that is a quality side.
The first half was a delight for spectators with all four goalers sinking shots from all over the goal circle, in the perfect conditions.
Drouin was gaining plenty of drive from Ashley Murray (WA) and Ally McArthur (GD) who was always assisting the midcourters in transition play.
With changes for both sides at halftime, Drouin was able to pick up its momentum enough to score a few goals in a row and extend its lead late in the quarter to eight goals.
It was led by some excellent intercepts and deflections in the last line of defence by Ebony Dunne (GK).
Goalers Stacie Proctor and Brittany Jolly were able to capitalise on those extra opportunities and from then Drouin looked likely winners.
The final quarter was fairly even once again with Drouin starting the quarter a little hesitantly.
However once it returned to its attacking style of play, the scoring rate lifted, resulting in a hardfought win.
The match was played good spirit by both teams with Stacie Proctor getting the umpires’ vote for best on court.
Scores: Drouin 48 d Sale 39.
13 AND UNDER
Drouin came up against a tall and strong Sale team in top form and worked tirelessly in the first half to keep the match in the balance, playing excellent netball against top opposition.
Its timing and leading was great and its full court defensive pressure helped Drouin to create a few turnovers.
In the second half, Sale lifted its scoring rate and gained momentum that Drouin struggled to curb.
Its defenders tried hard, but couldn’t restrict Sale’s very tall goal shooter.
At the end of the game all the Drouin girls had given 110 per cent, but were disappointed their finals campaign had ended.
Scores: Drouin 21 lost to Sale 41.
