The game got off to a frantic start with both teams making errors but neither side being able to capitalise on them.
It was Roar who were the first to convert their gain but Demons were able to turn the ball over immediately after.
Roar were the first team to forge a lead as they moved four goals clear. They made it especially difficult for the Demons to connect to their shooters in the circle.
The Demons were able to break Roar’s momentum and finish the first quarter only one goal down.
The second and third quarters followed a similar pattern, as Roar’s defence were on the top of their game and allowed their team to build a lead early in the quarter.
Roar’s Wing Defence Boudene Huckle played a great game, regularly intercepting the ball and making flowing netball difficult for the Demons.
As the quarter went on, the Demons found a way to break through the pressure and keep the margin to two goals at both half time and three quarter time.
When it came to the final quarter, the Demons started well and equalised with 12 minutes still on the clock. They eventually took the lead for the first time since the first quarter.
It wasn’t smooth sailing for the Demons as Roar hit back and got a small lead of their own to set up a thrilling finish.
In the end, Demons were able to get the last laugh due to an overthrow from Roar over their offensive baseline.
Shooting was a strength for both sides with Roar Goal Shooter Rylee Hall and Demons Shooter Chelsea Cook shooting at at least 90 per cent.
The 44-43 win for the Demons gives them a direct path into the GIG WANL 20/U Division Grand Final.
In the other final, Comets were able to overcome the Sharks in another tense final which was decided by two goals.
It was the perfect start for the Comets as they converted a turnover on the very first centre pass and built a small lead early in the match.
The Sharks were able to free up their game as the quarter went on and punished the opposition for any missed shots, dominating under the defensive post.
Sharks Shooters Indi Strom and Riley Burd weren’t afraid to take on the long range shot either, using it to their advantage to take a one-goal lead into the first break.
The second quarter was scrappy at the start, but both teams fell into a rhythm and play stayed on centre pass for the remainder of the quarter.
With scores level at the main break there was still all to play for but again neither side could really wrestle momentum their way and build a commanding lead.
Comets Shooters Jamaica Jauncey and Madeleine Ash worked well together as they were able to split the shooting between them, making life difficult for the Sharks’ defence. Jauncey scored 30 Goals from as many shots and Ash only missed two shots from her 18 Goals.
Two goals was the margin to the Comets going into the final quarter and the Sharks tried everything to get their nose in front but they failed to convert their chances when they got a turnover.
WA 17/U Captain and Australia Fast5 Youth Commonwealth Games representative Clara Wigley ended up the difference, making an eye-catching intercept from the Sharks’ centre pass to break the deadlock and give her side a slim lead.
The Comets held on and won the game 52-50, booking their spot in the Preliminary Final against the Roar.
Article By Oliver Lane
