NETBALL
THE Peninsula Waves’ under-19s side is making the most of their late dive into finals and have claimed the minor semi-final over the reigning premiers, Geelong Cougars, on Wednesday 22 August.
It’s the first time in over a decade that the Peninsula Waves have qualified for the finals series and they have snapped at the opportunity with two determined back-to-back victories in the last two weeks.
The Waves, who were sitting in fifth position coming into the final round of the Victorian Netball League season, clawed their way back into the top four with a convincing win over Melbourne University Lightning (55-47) on Wednesday 15 August.
The Waves then continued that winning momentum into the minor semi-final and scored another determined victory over the Geelong Cougars (48-53) at the State Netball and Hockey Centre last Wednesday night.
The match between the Cougars and Waves was a nail biter for spectators, and despite trailing by eight goals on one occasion, the Waves were able to fight back and gain a slight advantage heading into the final quarter of the game.
In the final five minutes, the Cougars made their way back within two goals of the Waves, with a slip out of court giving the Cougars possession of the ball off the Waves’ centre pass and providing them with the opportunity to level the score.
However, a crucial interception from Waves’ goal attack, Georgia Hernan, allowed the Waves to turn the game back around and secure an extra three goals in the dying seconds of the game.
Hernan, who is also captain of her team, said that the match was “one of the best games we’ve ever played”.
As such, Hernan asserted that her team is “really confident going into Sunday because we did so well under pressure tonight”.
Geelong concluded their time in the finals series and won’t be able to continue their chance of achieving back-to-back premierships this season.
The Waves are hoping to keep their streak alive when they face DC North East Blaze in the preliminary finals on Sunday 26 August at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.
First published in the Mornington News – 28 August 2018
