Netball
16 September, 2024
Pimpinio under-17s netballers win third consecutive premiership
Kalkee's 17-and-under netball team entered the grand final undefeated, but the underdogs, Pimpinio, clawed their way to victory, scoring a 43-35 win and securing their third consecutive premiership.
Kalkee looked to reverse their runner-up position from last year and got the better of Pimpinio in the first quarter, securing a three-goal lead at quarter-time. Pimpinio trailed by seven at one stage, but clawed their way back.
The Tigers scored 12 goals to eight in the second quarter to take a slender one-goal lead into half-time.
They started to improve around the court in the third quarter, extending their lead to four goals at the final break.
In the last quarter, the Kees battled hard, but the Tigers were too strong, winning by eight goals.
Ellie Slorach scored 25 goals for the Tigers, and Ada Binney scored 18. Ava Fitzgerald was massive at goal defence and was rewarded with the best on the court medal.
Cadi Streeter scored 21 goals for the Kees, with Chloe Reinheimer scoring 14. Abbey Williams was solid in goal defence, and Aleece Beddison was excellent in wing attack.
Maree Thompson has coached from NetSetGo and coached various grades over the years, and with her kids playing their final game in the 17-and-under, she is unsure if she will coach next year but is on cloud nine following the win.
"Kalkee is a good team, and last week we had a tough match against Harrow Balmoral, and we fought hard to win that, so I thought that might have been our grand final," Thompson said.
"We were seven goals down in the first quarter, and we turned it around, and the girls played how I wanted them to. It was nervous but also very exciting in that last quarter.
"I told the girls to keep their heads, fight for everyone, and if we get a turnover, not to rush it, and that's what they did."
When asked if not having the week off helped, Thompson said it did help with momentum.
"Sometimes having a week off is sometimes a disadvantage, and for us, we got the momentum, and it worked out well on the day," Thompson said.
"It's surreal, and beating the team that is on top is unbelievable. We will see if we can make it four in a row next year."