Pumpettes and Hot Shots finish as netball’s minor premiers

Cobar Netball Association teams SPARKS and Pumpettes both wore one sock in support of Batyr and youth mental health in their match on Saturday. ▪ Photo contributed
Cobar Netball Association teams SPARKS and Pumpettes both wore one sock in support of Batyr and youth mental health in their match on Saturday. ▪ Photo contributed

For the third year running, the Pumpettes have taken out the Cobar Netball Association (CNA) A Grade minor premiers’ title.

With a convincing win over SPARKS on Saturday, the Pumpettes will now have a week off to contemplate their position before they face the 2014-15 premiers, the Divas in the second week of finals.

Pumpettes’ dominant defensive player Marnie Whitecross and Centre Jo Carter led the way for Pumpettes on Saturday allowing the attacking duo of Emma Barton and Ellie Russell to capitalise on each centre pass.

Pumpettes ran away eventual winners 48-16.  Regina Nasser and Johanna Strahl were best on court for the SPARKS.

SPARKS will face a red-hot Opens team next week in the first elimination final.

Cougars held off a resurgent 15s team in their match on Saturday.

With the 15s improving every week, there was only two goals in the game until half time before Cougars were able to break away in attack.

Nikki Gilbert once again controlled the shooting circle and lead her Cougar’s team to be eventual winners 51-40.

This game will be replayed in the elimination final this weekend.

Expect big things from the 15s players who will welcome back their FWAS rep players (missing last week) for this week’s match.

The 15s will be looking to dominate the Cougars in attack.

The experience of the Cougars, however, may prove to be the difference with leaders Sarah Irvine and Karlee Davis linking up with Brianna Watson and Gilbert to ensure their side reaches the second week of finals.

In B Grade Hot Shots have taken out the 2016 CNA minor premiership this year.

Hot Shots has been the team to watch all year and their many weeks of training and dedication have certainly paid off.

Hot Shots took on competition new comers the All Sorts on Saturday and were rewarded with a 57-23 win.

Alice Flynn once again guided her team around the court and combined well with Rachael Hadkins in attack and Cheryl Lewington in defence to push the score further out at each quarter break.

Hot Shots will take on the Mystics for a place in the B Grade grand final when they meet this week in the semis.

All Sorts will be well served by Sam Vaka, and Anita Atuau in attack along with Stacey Harrison in defence when they take on The Knights next Saturday in an effort to stay alive in the finals race.

OMG played a confident Mystics team in their B Grade game on Saturday.

OMG ran out winners 34-26 with Wendy Byrne and Bianca Walsh playing some outstanding attacking netball.

OMG had full control from half time and the Mystics struggled to match OMG’s pace.

Natalie Barnes and Rebekah Harris combined well throughout the game for Mystics but it was OMG’s strong defensive combination led by Celeste Whitbread that proved to be the difference.

Fourth placed OMG will take on Here for Beer in this Saturday’s semi which should be a physical and exciting game for both teams.—contributed