Contax claims fourth premiership in six seasons after grand final win

CONTAX has reclaimed its standing as the Premier League’s top dog after a 12-goal triumph over Matrics in the grand final at Netball SA Stadium last night.

Contax players celebrate their win after the game. Matrics v Contax. SA Premier League Netball Grand Final, at Netball SA Stadium. 09/07/15 Picture: Stephen Laffer

CONTAX has reclaimed its standing as the Premier League’s top dog after a 12-goal triumph over Matrics in the grand final at Netball SA Stadium last night.

The match loomed as a tight battle between the only two teams to win titles over the past five years and the competition’s best this season.

But it was largely one-sided, as Matrics never led and Contax prevailed 51-39 to secure its fourth flag in six years.

It was only minor premier Matrics’ second loss over the past two seasons – the other was to Contax in this month’s second semi-final.

Contax players and officials celebrate their Premier League grand final victory. Picture: Stephen Laffer

Contax coach Leanne Eichler said she was proud of her “special group”.

“We knew that we could beat them, we just had to come to play,” Eichler said.

“It was fantastic to see how they put it all out there.

“My whole theme was about making memories and the girls did that tonight.”

Contax jumped out of the blocks to lead by five goals midway through the first quarter and 10 at the first break.

It settled into the game better and regularly forced turnovers thanks to swarming, full-court pressure.

Dejected Matrics players reflect on their grand loss. Picture: Stephen Laffer

Matrics had its moments in the first half but was not clean enough to get on the run it needed to take control.

The margin ballooned to 13 goals during the second period.

“We knew we needed to start well,” Eichler said.

“It was really important for our group and our confidence.”

A major factor was Contax’s goalers Charlee Hodges and Chelsea Lemke’s teamwork.

While they complemented one another, played without fear and both sank important shots, Matrics goal shooter Cody Lange was forced to carry the load because teammate Laura Packard struggled.

She missed simple shots, could not shake Marg Angove Medallist Kate Shimmin and was taken off at half-time as Matrics coach Jacqui Illman sought more success from her goal circle.

Matrics’ Sheree Wingard gets to the ball ahead of Contax’s Marg Angove Medallist Kate Shimmin in last night’s Premier League grand final. Picture: Stephen Laffer

Lange cut Contax’s lead to seven goals on the half-time buzzer but Matrics did not get closer.

Midcourters Gia Abernethy and Lauren Hyde helped Contax to steady in the third quarter by slowing the game down and always choosing the right pass.

Hodges, the 17-year-old daughter of Port Adelaide football great Scott Hodges, and Lemke, who had missed much of the past two years due to a nagging back injury, continued their fine form.

“They know how to get each other into the game and share the load,” Eichler said of her goalers.

“Seeing Charlee Hodges and the way that she played for a kid that’s 17, she was great.”

Lauren Hyde of Contax gets a pass away during last night’s Premier League grand final. Picture: Stephen Laffer

Once Contax’s lead pushed back out to 13 goals, the contest was all but over.

It was able to keep Matrics at arm’s length in the final quarter.

After the final whistle, the Contax players celebrated by falling on the court in a pack.

“I’m just gutted for the girls because it’s obviously not the way you want to finish the sort of season that we had,” Illman said.

“We just couldn’t capitalise to put enough scoreboard pressure on them unfortunately.

“It was our most disappointing performance of the year, which is a bit hard to cop in the grand final.”

Captain Sheree Wingard and Stacey Hein battled valiantly for Matrics and ran hard all night.