FINALS time has arrived in the Bathurst Netball Association A grade competition but for either LJ Hooker Heat and Panthers Duncans Saturday’s matchup will be their first and last of the post-season.
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Heat and Panthers face off in the minor semi-final after finishing third and fourth on the ladder respectively, thrusting them immediately into a sudden death situation.
This year’s match history between the two teams suggests that this should be an excellent contest.
Heat have taken out both previous meetings this year but there’s been very little to separate the sides, as they 51-45 and 47-42 scorelines would suggest.
The Heat’s Maddy McAllister said her side might not have the strength in numbers they once did earlier this season but the club’s players still have a great understanding for each other’s game.
“We started the season with about 12 players but going into finals, because of injuries and other things, we’re down to eight,” she said.
“Everyone on the team has known each other for a while now and we’re very close-knit.
“I think in a way the smaller group has worked for us because we’ve had to work that extra bit harder together.”
Panthers coach Di Coombes believes there’s little separating all the finalists this year.
“With these top four sides anyone could win on the day,” she said.
“They’ve got some very good shooters to look out for. Saphai [Mitai-Ngatai] played a great game last time against us.
“We’re a young team and LJ Hooker are into their first finals so I think it’s a big moment for both teams.”
Panthers are looking to channel the netball which last month saw them hand minor premiers Bulldogs Verdelho their sole defeat of the season thus far.
Like that game Panthers are expected to field close to a full-strength team.
“We’ve only had one game this year where we’ve had our whole team available and that was against Bulldogs and we won there,” Coombes said.
“We’re going to go out there on the weekend and give it the best we can.”
Heat and Panthers play at 2.30pm.
Meanwhile Bulldogs and City Colts will square off for the first spot in this year’s grand final.
It will be the second week in a row that the two clubs have come up against one another.
Bulldogs got the better of Colts 46-33 in last weekend’s game but as the saying goes, finals is a whole new ball game.
The major semi-final starts from 3.45pm.