BALL GAMES: Lifestudio Westoil's Cassie Vane tries to intercept a High A pass. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0908sgnet5
LIFESTUDIO Westoil have booked a grand final clash with Robin Hood by winning their Orange Netball Association division one preliminary final on Saturday.
Westoil came out firing in the final against High A and were able to stay in the lead to win 58-44.
The victory demolished any memories of Westoil’s poor performance which led to their major semi-final loss to Robin Hood a week ago.
Westoil captain Mardi Aplin was much happier after her team’s win over High A.
“It was a good game. It was one of our better games this year if not our best, which is nice considering it’s the finals,” Aplin said.
“The first quarter we came out firing. That’s important when you play younger kids to put that doubt in their minds. We knew we had to get a decent lead before they tried to pull it back.”
Westoil dominated the first half and were leading 19-8 at quarter-time, extending their advantage to 33-16 at the main interval.
High A came back in the second half playing out a 13-all third quarter and winning the final period 15-12 with a determined performance.
But it wasn’t enough as Westoil took the 14-point win.
High A coach Tegan Dray conceded the start hurt her team but they finished well.
“Very slow start. They did put together a good second half where they contested a lot better,” Dray said.
“That’s the experience that Westoil brings to finals. They apply pressure and make a little mistakes as possible. That’s just a feature of their game.
“They (High A) finished off really well which is a positive. We’ve had a really great season and it’s good to finish with a hard-fought game.”
The Westoil defensive end of Kate Pratt, Sheryll Selwood and Cassie Vane was solid.
At the other end, the players were able to feed great balls to Aplin under the goal.
The High A centre court was strong and shooter Katie Eslick continued to prove she can sink a goal from anywhere in the circle.
When Westoil and Robin Hood clash in this Saturday’s grand final, it will be the fourth year in a row they have met in the division one decider.
Robin Hood have won each of the three clashes by one goal and also claimed the 2008 title with the win over High A.
