The Curtin Hamersley Comets are one step away from completing one of the greatest turnarounds in the league’s history after defeating the East Freo Sharks in overtime 64-60 in an enthralling preliminary final on Friday night.
Curtin, who were winless in their 2019 campaign, had faced the Sharks twice in the regular season, with the teams drawing their first match and Comets winning the second by just two goals.
That close rivalry continued into the preliminary final, with only a couple quick bursts from the Comets proving to be the difference once the overtime siren rang.
Speaking after the match, Comets skipper Sarah East, who converted 43/47 for the game, was ecstatic with the victory and praised her team’s growth throughout the year.
“I’m almost speechless, that was the toughest game we’ve played mentally and physically,” she said.
“To go into overtime which we didn’t want and to win by four, we are so pumped for next week.”
Both teams bursted out of the blocks in the knockout final, with neither midcourts willing to give an inch against their opponents in a stalemate reflected by the 14-14 quarter time score line.
However, Sharks centre Ella Sigley suffered her first of two injuries during the second quarter which unravelled the Sharks defence as the Comets, led by young stalwart goal keeper Chelsea Bartlett, held firm and created a 31-26 half time buffer.
East had nothing but praise for the 19-year-old defender, who kept Sharks goal shooter Larissa Harrison’s impact on general play low despite the shooter converting 38/43 for the night.
“Chelsea’s been awesome, she’s learning and she’s really keen to keep improving her game,” East said.
To the surprise of many after being carried off, Ella Sigley emerged after half-time in centre for the Sharks, and with Harrison and goal attack Rose Aryang firing on all cylinders, they mounted a quick comeback and took the lead before the midway point of the third term.
In a quarter of momentum swings, Comets took a 43-41 lead into the final change with the game poised to produce a special final quarter.
The Sharks and Comets delivered, putting on a spectacle for the crowd in the final quarter, with East just missing out on securing the win as the final siren blew with the teams locked at 52-all.
In front of a screaming crowd, the teams went goal-for-goal in overtime, but the Comets soon proved too much for the Sharks defence as they opened up a five-goal lead.
With less than five minutes left, centre Sigley went down again clutching at her ankle, and after being carried off, the Sharks were unable to find the spark needed for one last comeback as the Comets pushed through in a marathon effort.
“Knowing we can grind it out and we can win a really tough match is great,” East said on her team’s efforts.
“The Warriors are going to be an extremely difficult team to beat, but I think we’ve got some structures that can really upset their attack.”
The Grand Final of the 2020 Gold Industry Group West Australian Netball League will be held next Friday October 16th at 7pm at the Gold Netball Centre.
Tickets can be purchased at the door.
