The 55-47 goal victory at Priceline Stadium saw Matrics reclaim their first premier victory since 2016, denying the reigning premiers of what could have been their third straight grand final win.
Earlier in the night, the Matrics Reserves team defeated Contax in a nail-biting one goal win, with mid-courter Tyler Orr named MVP of the match.
Despite the excitement in the air for Matrics already, their premier team got off to a slower start than they would have hoped for. Contax, however, started strong driving plenty of turnovers and finishing the first quarter up by five goals 15-10.
The stars began to align for Matrics in the second quarter, however, who outscored Contax, 15-9, clawing back the difference to end the first half leading Contax by one goal 25-24.
All eyes were on the dynamic duo in the mid court with Matric’s, Maisie Nankivell, coming up against Contax’s, Gia Abernethy. Both have had impressive performances in 2019 with Masie making her official debut for the Adelaide Thunderbirds earlier this year in the Suncorp Super Netball league after being elevated from her position as training partner. Gia earlier in the year returned from playing with the Strathclyde Sirens in Scotland’s Vitality Netball Super league.
The third quarter remained close, with Matrics able to hold on to their lead, but only by two goals, with Contax close at their heels.
The fourth quarter proved Matrics time to shine as Contax began to unravel against the club they had just recently defeated by 18 goals in the semi-finals. Matrics proved strong for the quarter remaining calm and in control against the two-time premiers. The team continued to extend their lead earning 15 goals from the quarter compared to Contax’s 9 goals. With the clock winding down and victory in their sights, fans began to erupt for Matrics who were able to finish the game off with an eight-goal win, taking home the grand final 55-47.
Matrics captain, Laura Packard was named MVP for the match, earning an impressive 83% shooting average for the game. The match saw Laura also celebrate her 150th game with the League team.
The rivalry between the two clubs has been a long standing one. Between the two clubs they have won every grand final since 2010, with Contax claiming six wins and Matric four. As Laura pointed out in her captain’s speech after the win, they knew all too well what it felt like to be in Contax’s position and commended the opposing club on their stellar performance.
The 2019 Grand Final proved the Stars time to shine, bringing together all their hard work throughout the season. And they certainly did shine bright!
Congratulations to Matrics for taking out the 2019 season and all the remaining seven clubs who made it a fierce competition.
