It's Grand Final Week! The Stage is Set for Netball's Biggest Weekend

What a weekend of netball! If Saturday's Preliminary Finals are any indication, we are in for an absolute blockbuster Grand Final day. Last weekend, the ONA courts were buzzing with action as teams battled it out in some of the most thrilling matches of the season. From goal-for-goal nail-biters to club-on-club showdowns, the tension was palpable, and the talent was undeniable.

Now, with the dust settled and the finalists confirmed, the excitement is building. Vipers and Orange City will clash in a highly anticipated Division 1 Grand Final rematch, while Vipers 2 and Hawks Whittaker Contracting are set to go head-to-head in a Division 2 contest that promises to be just as fierce. It all comes down to this weekend, where champions will be crowned and legacies made.

Over the coming days, we'll be breaking down the action from the prelims and looking ahead to the main events. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the matchups, some key performances, and a final word from the coaches. The stage is set, the teams are ready, and we can't wait to see who takes home the titles.

Division 1: Vipers Edge Out Life Studio in Preliminary Final Thriller

Talk about a nail-biter! The Orange Netball Association Division 1 Preliminary Final was everything a mad netty fan could hope for—a true battle of experience versus youthful determination. Vipers earned their spot in the Grand Final, but the final 53-45 scoreline doesn't tell the whole story. A young and fearless Life Studio unit pushed them to their absolute limit.

For three intense quarters, this game was a tug-of-war, with momentum swinging back and forth. Vipers, wealth of experience, started strongly with a four-goal lead. It looked like they might run away with it, but Life Studio had other plans, refusing to be intimidated. They showed incredible poise and stayed in the hunt, proving they're a team to watch in the future.

Match-Ups That Mattered

The court was a playground for some of Orange's best netball talent. A standout was the running duel between Vipers' Sophie Fardell and Life Studio's Marley Aplin. Fardell was in scintillating form, creating turnovers with her sharp defensive anticipation and setting up Vipers' attack. On the other side, Aplin, a formidable talent from the NSW 17s squad, constantly posed a threat, making their head-to-head an exciting highlight of the game.

Both teams were well-served by their shooters. For Vipers, Charli Greatbatch had a stellar day at Goal Attack, teaming up effectively with Fardell and calmly sinking crucial long-range shots. For Life, Lucy Wilson was a tower of strength in the circle, using clever body positioning and characteristic accuracy under pressure.

The defensive circles were just as intense. Vipers' Suz Simpson was tireless, using her athleticism and aerial skills to spoil numerous attacks. Her counterpart, Life's Addi Hollingsworth, was just as strong. All defenders gave no quarter, making every single goal a hard-won victory.

Experience Shines in the Final Quarter

In the end, it was Vipers' experience that made the difference. They were able to dig deep and finally put the foot down in the last quarter, pulling away from their tenacious opponents to seal the win. While the loss marks the end of the season for Life Studio, they can hold their heads high. Their valiant effort shows a team with a bright future that will only continue to improve under the guidance of coach Mardi Aplin.

Now for the Big Dance

Vipers now move on to the Grand Final, carrying the momentum from this hard-fought win. They'll need to muster all their skills and add a dash of composure to wrestle the title away from the champion Orange City side in what promises to be a thrilling rematch of last year's nail-biting one-goal contest.

Get ready for some serious netball! The Division 1 Grand Final kicks off this Saturday, September 20, on Court A at 3:45 p.m.

Division 2: Vipers 2 Outsmart Vipers 3 in All-Club Showdown

In a unique and spirited preliminary final, it was Vipers 2 who claimed bragging rights against their own clubmates, Vipers 3. This wasn't just any match—it was a battle of generations, pitting seasoned veterans against a rising squad of young talent. In the end, experience won the day, with Vipers 2 prevailing 35 to 29.

The final score tells a story of pure defensive grit. Both teams applied relentless pressure, making every pass and shot a hard-earned point. For the Abby Tiblurg-coached Vipers 3, a team of up-and-coming netballers who were elevated mid-season, the atmosphere was a fitting end to a remarkable season. Despite the loss, they can be incredibly proud of their effort, especially with many of the girls having played in another final earlier that day. Their resilience and heart were on full display.

Rising Stars and Defensive Dynamos

For Vipers 3, Matilda "Tilly" Spicer was everywhere on the court. Her great elevation and sharp instincts led to crucial intercepts, and she constantly backed up her teammates in attack. Her combination with defensive partner Rori McDonnell forced the Vipers 2 shooters to work overtime. The teamwork of the young guns was a highlight, a clear sign of their bright future.

On the other side of the court was Vipers 2, a team largely comprised of netball veterans and former champions. They knew exactly how to conserve energy and use their guile to outsmart their energetic opponents. At the heart of their formidable defence was the evergreen Sheryll Rodriguez, who was a constant threat, picking off intercepts and immediately setting up attacking plays. The Vipers 2 defence was a well-oiled machine, with Taylor Hobby combining effectively with Shez, and Ally Cook at Wing Defence stifling the Vipers 3 attack.

While the young Vipers 3 squad brought incredible determination and spirit, it was the cool heads and strategic play of Vipers 2 that made the difference. The match was a fantastic display of contrasting styles: the speed of youth meeting the experience and tactical prowess of the veterans.

Up Next

Vipers 2 now advance to the Grand Final to face Hawks Whittaker Contracting. They will undoubtedly need to bring their A-game to secure the Division 2 title.

The Grand Final is scheduled for this Saturday, September 20, on Court A at 2:15 pm.

14/15s PF: Junior A Secures Grand Final Spot in U14/15s Thriller

In front of a vocal crowd in the Toot Keegan Stand, OHS Junior A delivered a stunning 40-35 victory over the Vipers U15s, securing their place in the Grand Final. The match was a fantastic display of junior netball talent, showcasing why both these teams are among the best in the Association.

This preliminary final was always going to be tight. The teams had met twice before, with each taking a win by a narrow margin. The game unfolded exactly as expected, with a nail-biting, goal-for-goal battle and momentum swinging throughout the contest.

Intense Defence and Shifting Strategies

While the first quarter saw a few nervous moments, both teams quickly settled into a great rhythm. The mid-court duel was a highlight, with OHS Junior A's Issie Kiely moving to Centre in the second half to take on Vipers' speedy Molly Spicer. It was a gripping matchup that saw both players demonstrate impressive maturity and skill.

Versatility was key for the injury-hit Junior A outfit. With their usual Centre Lucy Hughes sidelined, coach Tegan Dray showed her trademark tactical smarts by rotating her players to keep Junior A in the game. The outstanding Meakah Chippendale started at Centre before moving to her usual spot in defence, while Abi Roberts ably covered both defence and shooting positions. A special mention goes to Neve Power, who, despite an ankle injury, showed her mettle by commanding the circle with some tight goal-keeping.

On the Vipers' side, the defensive partnership of Alice Harvey at Goal Keeper and Tilly Spicer at Goal Defence was simply formidable. Both are athletic, mobile defenders with fast footwork and razor-sharp reflexes. The tireless efforts of Sienna Kostitch and Lucinda Trott also secured multiple attacking plays for their team.

Momentum Shift in Final Quarter

The match remained neck-and-neck until late in the final quarter. Junior A capitalised on a momentary lapse in concentration from their opponents, and that's all the opening they needed. They got on a roll and controlled the final minutes of the game to seal the victory.

Treats in Store

Junior A now moves on to face a huge challenge in the Grand Final against the ladder-leading Hawks Weeks Mechanical, a team with an outstanding season record and a highly talented roster.

In a fascinating footnote, the coaches of both these teams will suit up against each other in next week's Open Division 1 Grand Final. It adds another layer of intrigue to what is sure to be a thrilling end to the season.

The 14/15s Grand Final is scheduled for this Saturday, September 20, on Court A at 11:15 a.m.