Pine Hill St Barnabas’ combination of youth and experience proved to be the right antidote for Phoenix Security Spooners Hill.
Last Saturday night at the Netball Stadium, St Barnabas came from behind to edge Spooners Hill 44-43 to snatch the Senior Knockout crown before a decent crowd, which braved evening showers to see one of the most exciting matches this season.
It was end-to-end action with no team able to dominate.
Goals were exchanged and when one team went on a mini run, the other quickly responded to stay within striking distance.
St Barnabas coach Margaret Cutting was naturally pleased with the outcome.
“They came out and gave a good show for the crowd. I think it was really good netball.”
Cutting said this team, a combination of Division 1 and 2 players, gave spectators a glimpse of the future Division 1 side when the older players retire from top-flight netball.
Shonette Bruce, who was named MVP and received an award donated by Braddie’s Bar, was also praised by the coach for earning the well deserved honour.
Alwyn Babb, head coach of Spooners Hill, said the game lived up to all of the excitement built up during the week.
“As coach, I was disappointed we did not win, but the two better teams went to the finals.”
The standard of play was generally high and the umpires held the whistle, letting the game flow without it getting out of control.
Earlier, Spooners Hill edged St Barnabas 20-19 to take the Intermediate 1 title, while Newbury Ballers beat Fusion 30-10 to take the Intermediate 2 title.
The Junior Knockout final between St Barnabas and C.O. Williams Rangers will be played on Saturday.
Despite the rain, it was a great night for netball.
The national senior and Under-21 teams are expected to go on tour later this year, and several national players who did not feature in the game “helped themselves” by operating a concession stand.
