THE Muswellbrook Netball Association’s 17 years’ representative team booked a berth in the State League decider on Sunday – but faltered at the last hurdle.
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The girls travelled to Raymond Terrace at the weekend to contest the division four play-offs.
The side faced the Charlestown 15s in the semi-final after being defeated 17-8 by the same rivals in their previous outing.
Muswellbrook got away to a fast start to lead 9-6 early.
The next two quarters saw Charlestown respond, however the locals fought back to win each term 9-8 and 6-3.
And, although the young opponents took the fourth 7-4, Muswellbrook held on to prevail 28-24 – and advance to the decider against Nelson Bay.
The girls began that encounter well, leading the first quarter 10-6, and drawing the second 10-all.
Some handling errors crept into the third term where Nelson Bay grabbed a 12-6 advantage and secured a two-goal margin.
Even though Muswellbrook gained a number of turnovers, they couldn’t convert these opportunities into scores and went down narrowly 34-32.
“Their efforts over the four weeks of State League show the players are developing into a strong combination and should enjoy some more success as the season unfolds,” coach Ian Ingle said.
Muswellbrook’s 14 years’ squad embarked on its first Hunter State League competition in 2014.
The tournament was used to prepare the players, and form team combinations, in the lead-up to the State Age Championships in June.
The side played extremely well in all three rounds with three wins, one draw and six losses.
They placed fourth and qualified for the semi-final at Raymond Terrace at the weekend.
Taking on Maitland, who topped the ladder in the division, Muswellbrook came out hard and displayed all the skills and tactics they’d worked on.
The team’s defence was outstanding, which saw them secure many intercepts and turnovers.
However, Maitland prevailed 31-14, although the score didn’t represent the effort, according to coach Rebecca Gumb.
“I was very proud to see the girls transfer their training onto the court,” she said.
“They played as one unit and each learned so much about themselves as individual players and their team mates.
“It has been a great result for them.
“This was an excellent way to finish their first State League experience and an even better starting position for the upcoming season and their preparations for State Age Championships.”
