DROUIN Netball Club is aiming for a string of flags with three teams in grand finals.
The 17andunder team was the first to qualify with a victory over undefeated Sale, while the A and Cgrade teams also won.
Drouin’s 13andunder and 15andunder teams remain in the finals’ race after thrilling wins on Sunday and join B grade that will fight out preliminary finals on Saturday at Traralgon.
A GRADE
After a close first quarter, Drouin stepped up the intensity in the second.
Drouin goal shooter, Wendy Hodson began to find spaces, well fed by Kylie Proctor (GA), Christie Proctor (WA) and Amy Fraser (C).
Scores: Drouin 51 d Traralgon 41.
Awards: Deb Thomas Royal Hotel; Wendy Hodson – Drouin Amcal Chemist.
B GRADE
The first quarter was a tight contest with scores tied at 10 each.
Drouin’s play from defence to attack was excellent with Karen Piner (GD) and Ally Henderson (WD) bringing the ball down court swiftly.
Cheryl Kos (WA), Tania McLeish (C) and Felicity Pratt (GA) were patient approaching the goal circle, allowing Keira Rees (GS) time to find free space under the goal ring.
Scores: Drouin 37 lost to Traralgon 39.
Awards: Felicity Pratt – Drouin Amcal Chemist; Lia Olsen – Royal Hotel
C GRADE
Drouin looked the better team in the first half against Maffra, but could only manage a threegoal lead at half time.
Maffra hit back in the third quarter to narrow the margin to just one goal at threequarter time.
Drouin showed the quality of their team and lifted the intensity in the final quarter to outscore Maffra 12 goals to one and race into the grand final.
Scores: Drouin 38 d Maffra 26.
17 AND UNDER
Taking on the undefeated Sale, Drouin had plenty of midcourt drive, utilising its bench to advantage.
Stacie Proctor (GS) was a focal point for Drouin in goals, often outmanoeuvring her opponent.
In defence, Ally McArthur and Nicki Bryce had a tough job to contain the highly talented and accurate Sale goalers.
Drouin held a threegoal lead going into the last quarter and increased that to four with only minutes left.
Scores: Drouin 33 d Sale 31.
15 AND UNDER
Drouin performed well with all 11 players contributing to the win.
Goalers Karina Proctor and Steph O’Dea did well to maintain their composure under pressure from quality opposition. Jess Hedley and Steph Rees were a formidable defensive combination.
Brittany Jolly was strong in the midcourt with all the girls timing their leads and passing well under pressure.
Drouin’s all court defence was relentless, earning them possession on several occasions.
Scores: Drouin 28d Warragul 26
13 AND UNDER
Drouin had Peta Matthews back in goals, combining well with Jess Wyatt.
Zoe Henry (WA) drove the ball onto the goal ring superbly, linking well with her goalers. Drouin were able to move Imogen Sceney into defence to give Drouin extra height.
When Stacey Megee was forced from the court with an ankle injury, Traralgon capitalised and came back from a fivegoal deficit to gain the lead in the third quarter.
Drouin was able to get Stacey back on court and was one goal up when the whistle blew for a nailbiting win.
