Seasoned Vipers2 Win Out Against Resilient Young Hawks

What a grand final! In a match that was a little bit like watching a netball version of David and Goliath, the Div 2 Grand Final saw a mix of familiar ONA faces from Vipers 2 take on a squad of future stars from Hawks Whittaker Contracting. The Vipers' experience ultimately won out with a final score of 42-29, but not before a fantastic, hard-fought game that showcased the talent of both sides.

A Tale of Two Quarters

The Hawks came into this game after a massive day, with many of the team having already played and won a super close 14/15s Grand Final by just one goal earlier that morning. It was a true testament to their resilience to even step back on the court, and they came out firing. The first quarter was incredibly tight, with the young Hawks sticking with the Vipers, who only held a slim 12-10 lead. We saw an absolute cracker of a contest between young Macy Prevett at Goal Attack and the formidable Shez Rodriguez, with Macy refusing to be intimidated.

But, as is so often the case in sport, one quarter made all the difference. The second quarter belonged to the Vipers. Their highly experienced players began to show their class, with quick passing and smart movement in the attacking third. Carmen Dederer was a rock under the post, while the physical, cagey play of Kate Harris and Em Callaway used their bodies expertly to shield the ball and out-position their younger opponents. The Vipers' long, fast balls down the court were also a key factor, and they exploded to a commanding 28-14 halftime lead.

Hawks' Valiant Fightback

Despite the deficit, the Hawks never gave up. They made a smart change in the third quarter, moving the brilliant Clancy Simmons to Goal Defence to team up with defensive powerhouse Tess Hill. The duo was outstanding, with Tess grabbing two huge intercepts, and together they helped the Hawks claw back some ground. Hawks fought hard in the final quarter, scoring three unanswered goals to start, but that big second-quarter lead was just too much to overcome.

It was a great game to watch. A huge shout-out to Vipers for their well-deserved win and to Hawks for their incredible courage and skill. Congratulations to both teams on an amazing season!

I took the opportunity to chat to the happy Vipers victors to get their unique take on the game.

Special thanks to Tash Rudd for her photography