Not even four quarters and two halves of extra time could split the Roar and Comets as it was the latter who broke the deadlock in sudden death time to win 64-62.
The game didn’t always look like going to extra time with Roar racing out of the blocks and taking the first quarter by eight goals.
After being on the back foot early, Comets stabilised and held steady in the second quarter, not letting Roar push the game out beyond their reach.
After half time, Comets went on the offensive and slowly but surely brought down the deficit to just three goals.
Defenders from both sides were getting regular turnovers as errors were plentiful, disrupting the flow of the game.
The Roar’s defence was especially potent under the post as they were able to pick up multiple defensive rebounds.
At three quarter time, there were only four goals in it to the Roar.
Comets were able to get some momentum early in the fourth quarter and equalised with seven minutes to go.
Despite a few turnovers, neither side could get a comfortable lead as the margin never passed two goals.
There was a particularly physical contest in Roar’s offensive circle as the Comets tried to topple the sharp shooting of Sophie Lamers 38 Goals at 90 per cent.
With 20 seconds left on the clock, Aitaua Enari put through what could have been a winner but Roar were able to move the ball quickly into their shooting circle and force a penalty.
The shot was converted after the siren to equalise scores at 52 apiece and put the game into extra time.
With two halves of extra time to play, both teams came out strong.
Despite impressive defensive pressure from the Roar’s defenders, the Comets’ shooters were up to the challenge with near flawless range shooting from Sloan Burton and Jasmah Haywood.
There was still nothing to split the sides after the 14 minutes of extra time but the Comets scored a goal and immediately got a crucial turnover in the sudden death which was converted to win the game in extraordinary fashion.
The Comets will go straight to the Grand Final and the Roar head to Tuesday’s Preliminary Final.
There was another close game on Court 1 with the Sharks edging out the Demons by a single goal in the Elimination Final.
It was a confident start for the Sharks, getting a small lead early thanks to top defensive pressure.
Demons were not down for long though as they stormed back, equalising half way through the quarter and eventually taking a four-goal lead into quarter time.
Sharks grabbed momentum early in the second quarter and came back to put the lead in their favour.
It was a strong quarter leading into half time for the Sharks as they were able to cope with what the Demons threw at them to hold a four-goal lead.
A fascinating battle played out between Demons shooter Kelsey McPhee (40 goals at 91 per cent) and Sharks defender Jess Penny, as neither were willing to give an inch.
In the third quarter, momentum shifted yet again to the Demons as they were more effective in finding their shooters.
As the game moved into the fourth quarter, Sharks edged ahead once again but the lead didn’t last long with Demons fighting back and equalising.
In the end, Sharks were able to hold up play in the last minute while scores were level and sink a winner with 10 seconds to go.
Numi Tupaea was able to get the deflection off the Demons’ centre pass to seal the game and keep the Sharks’ season alive.
The results means the Sharks will face the Roar in the Preliminary Final, as they fight for a spot against the Comets in the Grand Final.
Article By. Oliver Lane
