Watch the replays: Matrics win 2022 Netball SA Premier League and reserves grand final double
A year after suffering grand final heartbreak, Matrics has producing a stunning performance to claim the Premier League netball crown. Relive it all in the full live stream replays.
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Redemption has never tasted so sweet for Matrics as it turned agony into ecstasy by storming to the Netball SA Premier League title.
With last year’s one-goal heartbreaker against their arch rival still in their minds, the Stars triumphed in a supremely impressive grand final performance over Contax on Friday night.
The 64-53 win was driven by near-perfect execution of a gameplan from Matrics, which had clearly learnt its lessons from the semi-final loss a fortnight ago.
KommunityTV exclusively live streamed the Premier League and reserves grand finals from Netball SA Stadium. Relive the action by watching the full match replays above and below.
WATCH GRAND FINAL HIGHLIGHTS ABOVE
SCROLL DOWN FOR FULL REPLAYS
Newly contracted Adelaide Thunderbird Lucy Austin starred in attack for Matrics and was awarded the Marg Angove Medal for most valuable player.
Both teams started well and barely missed a beat in attack during the opening minutes.
But once the early grand final buzz settled, Matrics clicked into gear with clinical efficiency.
The seven-goal quarter time lead took Contax by surprise and the Blues could not wrestle momentum back as the difference blew out to 12 at the main break.
The reigning premiers landed a few blows early in the third term but could not slow down Matrics’ powerful goal circle combination of Austin and Lauren Frew.
A fourth quarter fight brought the margin down, though Contax were never able to get back within striking distance.
Earlier, Matrics got things off to a perfect start for the club by winning the reserves grand final over Contax.
The dominant Stars, whose only loss of the season came in the reserves semi-final to the Blues, saw off a third-quarter charge from Contax to finish strongly and win 48-43.
Matrics led by three goals at half-time before the Blues stormed back to hit the front at the last change.
But the Stars proved to be too clinical in the final term.
Not even an injury to Stephanie Sarro – who had played a key role for Matrics but went down painfully clutching he leg with two and a half minutes to go – could stop them.
She was one of her side’s best along with fellow goal circle threat Lucy Reynolds, who was awarded the best on court medal with 33 goals, and goal keeper Georia Kraft.
Defender Quillen Economou and shooter Eleanor Horsborough (25 goals) played well for Contax in what was a tight contest.
Watch the reserves grand final replay below.
REPLAY: PREMIER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL
REPLAY: RESERVES GRAND FINAL
PREVIEW: DUELLING DYNASTIES SET TO COLLIDE
For more than 10 years the colours blue and maroon have traded turns adorning the Netball SA Premier League trophy.
It is a story of duelling dynasties which has defined the state’s pinnacle netball competition and now Contax and Matrics will add yet another chapter to their fierce rivalry.
The Premier League grand final – exclusively live streamed here on KommunityTV on Friday night – will pit the two powerhouses against each other for the ninth time since 2010.
Contax and Matrics will also clash in the reserves decider at 6.45pm before the main event at 8.35pm.
Blues coach Leanne Eichler said the reigning premiers had extra motivation to succeed in the club’s 70th year.
“Obviously whenever you make a grand final you always want to win it but I think this year has just that extra bit of significance because we’ve had a fantastic year celebrating the anniversary,” Eichler said.
“It would be the nice cherry on the top to finish off the season, not only for the 70th celebration but for this group of girls.
“It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, there’s been a lot of ups and downs and it’s actually quite a new group as well.”
Contax secured a direct path to the grand final after edging Matrics by four goals in the semi-final.
The Stars responded however, putting South Adelaide to the sword in a 77-43 preliminary final victory to set up another encounter between the two great rivals.
Matrics coach Jacqui Illman said her team’s want to lift the trophy was as strong as ever, particularly given their crushing one-goal defeat to Contax a year ago.
“We had a heartbreaking loss in last year’s grand final and we’ve had a few heartbreaking injuries over the past couple of weeks in our squad,” Illman said.
“I think that has just lifted the desire even more to get the result on Friday night.”
While the main event will carry the most significance, both clubs will be hellbent on establishing their dominance by securing two titles.
Contax also won straight through to the reserves grand final, handing Matrics its first loss of the season.
That clash will begin at 6.45pm, followed by the Premier League decider at 8.35pm.
Both matches will be exclusively broadcast here by KommunityTV.
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