GIPPSLAND Storm’s Division 1 is through to its first grand final in five years after a convincing 18goal victory against DC Force in the second semifinal at the State Netball Centre.
DC Force came out firing in the first quarter, moving the ball quickly from defence into attack, catching the Storm off guard, and opening up a fivegoal lead midway through the first quarter. The Storm lifted their intensity and work rate and, on the back of a super effort from Kylie Lush, took control, eventually leading 1714 at quarter time.
The second quarter was a freeflowing game, with both teams moving the ball well into attack, placing enormous pressure on both defensive ends. With no team able to take control of the game, the halfway score of 3228 reflected the closeness of the game.
The Storm came out after half time full of running, chasing down passes and applying relentless pressure on every pass. It took full advantage of possession, restricting DC Force to five goals in the third quarter and eventually extending the lead to 14 goals at threequarter time, all but sealing the victory.
While such a lead could have been cause for celebration, the Storm maintained control over the game and never gave DC Force an opportunity to stamp its authority on the game.
Pam Wouters was outstanding at GA, working tirelessly to provide an avenue out of defence and shooting 26/37 at 70 per cent. Kylie Lush as always provided a target inside the goaling circle, using her height advantage against an inexperienced defender, shooting 34/37 at 91.89 per cent.
The centre court combination of Christie Proctor, Lee Kitchin and Jenny Jamieson controlled the mid court for the entire four quarters, allowing free flow through the centre third, adjusting well to pressure applied by the DC Force defence.
Meg Evans and Sam Hodge both played well above their age and experience, repelling numerous Force attacks and eventually getting on top of a dangerous attacking combination.
With a week’s rest, the girls are already looking forward to the grand final in two weeks, and have made a commitment to each other to leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the ultimate victory.
Gippsland Storm Division 2 overcame a slow start to eventually overrun Melbourne Waverley in the first semifinal. Having defeated Melbourne Waverley the previous week in the final round of the season by a convincing 29 goals, the girls were confident of repeating the result. But they didn’t count on Melbourne’s tenacity and were caught off guard as Melbourne opened up a fivegoal lead midway through the first quarter.
The girls lifted their work rate and, through controlled possession and an increase in intensity, cut the margin to one goal at quarter time.
A change in attack in the second quarter paid off with Jenny Gardiner providing more of a target outside the goal circle at GA and allowing Lauren Kavanagh to expose her opponents’ weaknesses at GS, shooting off nine goals to give the Storm a twogoal lead at half time.
An increase in defensive pressure in the third quarter created numerous turnovers, and the girls maintained their control over the game, not allowing Melbourne Waverley to take the lead again. The margin at threequarter time increased to six goals.
In the final quarter Melbourne Waverley realised it had nothing to lose, but the Storm continued its control over the game, capitalising on Melbourne’s errors to run out sevengoal victors.
Next week the girls tackle the preliminary final, a fine feat for a side in its first season in Division 2. They meet Geelong, a team they have defeated twice during the season.
CLUB NOTES
Gippsland Storm will hold selections for its 2007 teams on Sunday 15 and 22 October at the Casey Life Recreation Complex. Inquiries can be made on 0413 483 516 or 5941 3442.
