OPEN: Comets 46 defeated Sharks 37
In another Friday night thriller, the Comets have guaranteed their place in the Grand Final against the Western Roar for the second year in a row.
The Comets took an early lead in the first quarter and were able to hold the Sharks down with Ashlee Unie’s ability to find those deflections, Scarlet Jauncey’s pressure and Liz Dronfield’s reading of the ball.
Comet Emma Cosh’s shooting was absolutely of Finals standard, feeding into partner Madeleine Ash and often successfully shooting from outside her usual range with 14 goals. Ash herself took home 28 goals for the night in a dominant display.
The Sharks found their groove in the second quarter and shortened the margin. Ruth Aryang once again had an outstanding game in defence, her reach and rebounds an asset.
Jessica Repacholi demonstrated a strong drive down the court, making herself an option whenever she could next to Georgie Cleaver in the mid court.
Sophie Eastaugh led from the front in goals, taking home 21 alongside Larrissa Harrison’s 16.
With only four goals the difference by three-quarter time the Comets knew what they had to do in the final 15 minutes to secure their spot.
In the final quarter the side were clean and quick, achieving five more goals than the Sharks and opening the winning margin to nine goals to land their Grand Final ticket.
Watch the replay on Streamer
21/U: Western Roar 66 defeated Rangers 36
The Western Roar 21/U side have become the third team out of three divisions to make it to the Grand Final following their dominant display against the Rangers.
After a goal for goal start to the game, Roar took a lead in the latter end of the first quarter which they were able to maintain.
Roar’s defensive duo in goals Kate Cunningham and Emily Rivers locked in the entire game, their ability to achieve deflections and rebounds making them a tough barrier to get through.
Aisha Morcombe’s shooting accuracy was outstanding with a massive 52 goals alongside partners Teagan Begovic’s seven, Devin Cunninghame’s four and Tess Taylor’s three.
Rangers fought hard throughout the entire game, with strong transitions down the court to goals. Jade Dimer was an asset in goals (eight), going after the ball any chance she could. Emily Cramond was a standout, the shooter all over the ball the entire game, being utilised both for goals (21) and her attack throughout the court. Sienna Birkett (four) and Isabella Harding (three) rounded out their shooting side.
The Western Roar will face the Southside Demons in the Grand Final on Friday June 28.
Watch the replay on Streamer
Men: Comets 62 defeated Rangers 54
The first half of the Men’s Preliminary Final was not for the faint hearted, a goal for goal game.
The Comet’s mid court shined with Dylan Mensing’s smart and fast movements combined with Joel Andersons ability to grab those deflections making them a strong pairing.
The squad’s shooting end was quick and accurate with Griff Thomas (38) and Corey Goss (23) knowing their role to play in achieving the sides win.
The Rangers shooting side of Jerome Gillbard (35), Luke Birnie (13) and Micky Woodley (six) used their understanding of each other as teammates to maintain their high shooting accuracy.
Rangers centre Mark McCoach was a difficult opponent, hard to outrun throughout his huge four quarters. Both his attack and defensive pressure integral in the sides mid court.
The Final quarter saw the Comets shine, finishing with six goals more than the Rangers and opening that consistently tight margin to an eight-goal win.
You can watch the Comets take on the Roar in next weeks Grand Final on Streamer.
Find the Grand Final timings on PlayHQ
Buy your Grand Final tickets here.
