The 21/U division have proved just how bright the future of West Australian netball is, with the young athletes bringing their all on Grand Final day.
Q1 Warriors 17 | Roar 20
In the 21/U clash, the Warriors made a strong start against the Roar, taking an early lead before the first break finished with the Roar narrowly ahead, 20–17. Keely Berry set the tone early with a sharp tip and a clean intercept, while Skyla Payne opened the Warriors’ scoring with an important first goal, her accuracy proving crucial under pressure. The Warriors were fierce on the contest throughout the quarter, but the Roar responded late, with Loyola Vaauli showing impressive reach under the post despite close defensive pressure, helping Western Roar push forward and edge in front by quarter-time.
Q2 Warriors 32 | Roar 37
The pressure lifted in the second quarter as the Warriors worked hard to find clean entries into the goal circle, while the Roar continued to build momentum and stretch their lead to 37–32 by half-time. Sophie Cunningham provided an important attacking spark for the Roar with a confident long-range shot, and Amelie Markovic’s netball smarts were on full display through her clever decision-making and composure in key moments.
Q3 Warriors 48 | Roar 52
The third quarter saw Western Roar continue to punish any Warriors mistakes, with both sides relying on their tall shooters to handle a high volume in the circle. The Warriors worked hard to shorten the margin, lifting their defensive intensity as every goal became increasingly important. Roar captain Amelie Markovic came up with a key intercept, while Keely Berry continued to make her presence felt with another strong grab. Despite Skyla Payne’s height giving the Warriors an option in attack, Berry’s aerial pressure made it difficult to safely lob the ball into the circle, with the Roar defender always a threat to come away with the intercept.
Q4 Warriors 64 | Roar 67
The final quarter was played with enormous intensity as both teams threw everything into the contest, with Western Roar holding on to claim a 67–64 win over the Warriors. Sophia Panizza was a huge strength in the Warriors’ defensive end, helping keep her side within reach as the margin sat at four goals with nine minutes remaining. As the clock counted down, both teams continued to fight for every possession, with the margin hovering around four goals before the Warriors closed it to just two with two minutes left. Keely Berry delivered another important intercept late, but the Roar steadied when it mattered most to hold off the fast-finishing Warriors.
Watch the replay
