CHAMPIONSHIP RESULT
GEELONG COUGARS (58) DEFEATED MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY LIGHTNING (44)
Our Championship team entered their Semi Final well prepared, winning convincingly over Melbourne University Lightning and booking a spot in the 2018 VNL Grand Final.
The scene was set early with Brooke Allan (GK) and Allie Smith (GD) taking two intercepts in the first two minutes of the game, creating uncertainty in the Lightning attacking end. Zanna Woods and Julia Woolley combined for a perfect scoring start, shooting 17 from 17 in the first quarter. When in possession, the Cougars were patient with the ball and in defence they smothered the Lightning’s attacking play.
Coach Gerard Murphy stuck with a mostly unchanged line-up for the first half, allowing the starting seven to take care of things. Tayla Honey entered the game late in the second quarter, replacing Vanessa Augustini. The Cougars took a nine goal lead into the major break.
The changes came part way through the third quarter with Ruby Horton replacing Zanna Woods, Tori Honner replacing Allie Smith and Holly Hood taking over from Mel Bragg. Familiar and comfortable with changes, there was no disruption to the Cougars performance or execution. Julia Woolley headed to the bench during the final quarter and Sarah Main came on into goal attack.
This was a dominant display by the Cougars Championship team; controlling the match from the get-go and executing their game plan.
This will be the maiden appearance in a VNL Grand Final for the Cougars Championship team.
Goal Shooting Statistics:
Zanna Woods 26/28
Julia Woolley 20/21
Ruby Horton 10/13
Sarah Main 2/3
DIVISION 1 RESULT
GEELONG COUGARS (54) DEFEATED DC NORTH EAST BLAZE (50)
The Geelong Cougars Division 1 team have earned a place in the 2018 VNL Grand Final.
As expected, it was a tightly contested match. Blaze were able to apply pressure down the court jamming the Cougars ability to find Hannah Van Gemst in the circle.
Coach, Olivia Wilson called a change at quarter time, bringing on Jaimee VanLeerdam into Goal Keeper to try and quell the influence of the Blaze goal shooter. During the second quarter, the Cougars defenders were able to gain possession, but the attacking end were finding it difficult to capitalise on turnovers. Cougars found themselves down by three at half time.
Kaitlyn Sheringham entered the game and had fire in her belly. Kaity used her speed to open up the attacking end and was tenacious in defence. Elle Rice played a great supporting role in goal attack. Alli O’Connor again was dynamic in wing defence. She played her role and supported the circle defenders by slowing up the Blaze passage into the goal circle.
Overall, it was a really consistent four quarters by the Cougars. They were able build steadily throughout the match. There was no panic or alarm. With the calm approach, Cougars took the lead in the third quarter and were able to hold on for a four goal win.
Goal Shooting Statistics:
Hannah Van Gemst 36/41
Elle Rice 18/22
19/UNDER RESULT
GEELONG COUGARS (48) DEFEATED BY PENINSULA WAVES (53)
The 19/Under competition has been a close race all year. This semi-final was bound to be a tightly contested match. Through the rounds the Peninsula Waves and Cougars had one win apiece.
The Cougars started with a mobile attacking end with Ruby Barkmeyer and Darcy McFarlane lining up in goals, Georgia Ryan, Jessie Lang and Mikayla Hellmann filling the centre court, and it was Sophie Shoebridge and Ellen Doyle who were given the task of stopping the accurate Waves goalers.
The scores were level at the quarter break. The Cougars were able to get a run on in the second quarter and push to a small lead. But, a few turnovers and the Waves pegged that lead back. Scores were level again at half-time. Coach, Mel Savage stuck with the same line-up heading into the third quarter.
Waves urged their way to a two goal lead by three quarter time and Mel Savage applied the changes. Georgia Clark came on as goal shooter and Ruby Barkmeyer moved out to goal attack.
Buoyed by a strong and vocal crowd the Peninsula Waves held their nerve. The Cougars had a few chances late in the final term, but it was the steady play from the Peninsula Waves that won the day.
Goal Shooting Statistics:
Ruby Barkmeyer 32/39
Darcy McFarlane 12/15
Georgia Clark 4/5
The Geelong Cougars 19/Under team have had an amazing couple of years; Premiers in 2017 and 2016 and Runners Up in 2015.
Twenty-two players have been part of the four-year journey. Six of those players have moved up into the Division 1 or Championship team and continue their finals campaign in 2018.
The impressive and consistent performance can be attributed to Coach Mel Savage. Ask any player and they will say the same thing. Mel’s attention to the individual is extraordinary. Her technical coaching knowledge has grown so much over the years and she is now regarded as one of the best coaches in Victoria.
Congratulations to the 19’s on a great VNL season. We know you will be disappointed with the semi-final result, but hold your heads high. You have performed exceptionally and represented the Geelong Netball Club with pride.
