Katanning buzzes with netball magic

There were three strong games during the netball grand final day at the Katanning Leisure Centre on Saturday.

The division 1 match was a nail-biting experience, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats throughout.

There was never more than three points between the Kojonup division 1 team and the Olympians 1.

Ahead by just one goal, it looked like Kojonup might claim victory toward the final moments before Olympians equalised from long range just before the final whistle. Teams were tied 52-all.

The game went to overtime with two seven-minute halves.

At the end of the first seven minutes Olympians were up by one, but Kojonup clawed their way back during the second bout to win 64-61.

It was a strong defence by both sides and throughout the game – and particularly during extra time – there were few turnovers from both sides.

All the girls put forth a solid effort but Nadine Milne emerged as the grand final’s fairest and best.

It was a double surprise for Milne who also took out the fairest and best for the whole season on 16 votes, followed closely by All Stars Danika Eades on 12. Katanning Netball Association president Jenny Cristinelli said all the girls were great.

“It was certainly no easy task selecting the best players during the season, everyone put in such a strong effort, including our coaches and umpires,” she said.

Another close game took place in division 2.

The Olympians 2 beat the Cardinal Bullets in a well-defended match that had the Bullets miss too many chances at scoring.

joe.cassidy@greatsouthernherald.com