NETBALL
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Paragon Dropbears are hoping to claim the division one Mudgee netball crown at their first attempt but they must go through one of the competition’s most successful clubs.
The Dropbears meet Allstar Tanks (2) in tomorrow’s decider at Glen Willow.
Paragon have enjoyed a week off courtesy of their major semi-final win over the Tanks (2).
But Tanks (2) fired back with a 50-21 demolition of Starlets Country Physio last week.
It sets up a mouth-watering clash between two very strong and skilful teams.
“I’m really excited for the match,” Dropbears’ captain Jen O’Brien said.
“I’m feeling a lot more happier this time then I was two weeks ago.
“It really is going to be a tough game.”
Paragon were minor premiers and should start favourites for the encounter.
If the Dropbears do win, it will be an incredible transformation considering they finished with the wooden spoon last year.
On the other hand, Tanks (2) have the experience.
Formed this season because of increased players numbers, Tanks (2) have plenty of players who have played in a grand final before.
Payden Lawson, Shelley Wolthers, Mel Ungaro and coach Tracy Kastelein have been part of the premiership-winning Tanks teams of 2009, 2011 and 2012.
Despite the experience, Kastelein said the result would come down to possession.
“Whoever can hold onto the ball the longest will win,” Kastelein said.
“The shooters on both sides are very accurate.
“The key will be in defence and in ball control.”
Tanks (2) have Lawson and Mel Kastelein scoring from all angles while sisters Jen O’Brien and Alison Fenney were on fire for the Dropbears in the major semi-final.
The match-up between Fenney and Tanks (2) goal keeper Brooke Colley will be crucial to the final result as will the battle between Wolthers and O’Brien.
Lawson and Kastelein will have their work cut out trying to get over Dropbears’ Alison Doyle and Stephanie Martyn.
The battle in the mid-court will be as intense with Paragon young gun Jasmine McGowan going head-to-head with Ungaro.
“There are strong match ups all over the court,” Kastelein said.
All grand finals will have the association’s best umpires including Steve Jackson.
Last month Jackson was handed his national A-grade umpire’s badge.
Grand final day begins at 9.30am with divisions seven, eight and nine.
Other grand finals are at 11am, 12.30pm and division one is at 1.30pm.
Presentation will follow at Lawson Park Hotel at 2.45pm.
Mudgee District Netball Association
Grand finals, Saturday, at Glen Willow:
9.30am:
Division nine - Saints Sweets v Gulgong Dynamites.
Division eight - CV Opals v Gulgong Galahs.
Division seven - Saints Emeralds v Panther Cubs.
11am:
Division six - Aztecs Dance Unlimited v Aztecs BJ’s Mobile Disco.
Division five - ICE Magic v Saints Pheonix.
Division three - Allstars CCS v Saints Sirius.
12.30pm:
Division four - SWISH v Gulgong Devils.
Division two - Mudgee Eyecare v Aztec Paragon.
1.30pm:
Division one - Paragon Dropbears v Allstar Tanks 2.
Presentation at Lawson Park Hotel at 2.45pm.