Matrics Netball Club have gone back-to-back in both the Reserves and the League after upsetting the minor premiers Contax Netball Club with a victory in the 2020 Premier League Grand Final on Friday night.
After the Reserves secured two-point victory over Oakdale Netball Club in a nail-biter, the League side gave the Club a double victory with a four-point point win over long-time rivals Contax.
Contax started the game with a point to prove, leading Matrics 8-3 at the 9-minute mark, but a big two minutes from Matrics meant they trailed by just 1 with seven minutes left in the opening quarter.
The two sides went almost goal for goal from there enter quarter time with Contax leading 17-14.
In the second quarter, Contax opted for the shooting combination of Hodges and Green, while Matrics stuck with the same line up.
The stars won the quarter by two goals to enter half-time down by just one.
At the start of the third, Contax trialled its third goaling combination, this time with Hodges at goal shooter and Chelsea Lemke at goal attack – who played the opening half at wing attack.
As a result, centre Imogen Abenathy moved in the WA position and young emerging midcourter Tahlia Dinner Strandski in centre, who had an immediate impact.
Contax’s defensive unit worked tirelessly to turnover ball, but the side struggled to find its way to post.
Meanwhile, a purple patch for Matrics meant they surged ahead in a matter of minutes to lead 42-34 halfway through the third quarter.
Contax quickly made another change in their attack end, returning to their starting shooting circle of Elanor Horsburgh and Hodges, with Lemke back at WA.
Lucy Austin continued to deliver for Matrics and was well supported by Casey Bernhardt in GA and Georgia Dent in WA.
At three-quarter-time, that Stars were in a convincing position, leading 47-38.
Contax started the fourth quarter well but as errors creeped back into their game, Matrics punished them with clinical attack and their strong connection to Austin.
The Blues staged a last-minute fightback, but it simply was not enough to draw back the margin and and Matrics took the win 60-56.
