‘One-point thriller’: Sharks make netball history, clinch three-peat in nail-biter
A championship and dynasty secured at the death of the final quarter.
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A championship and dynasty secured at the death of the final quarter.
The Sharks led by Michaela Kadlecek and Asha Lynch-Simmons secured their third straight Cairns Netball Division 1 premiership with a heart-stopping 41-40 win over a valiant Leprechauns Maroon.
From the opening whistle on Friday night, it was clear that this grand final would be a fierce contest.
The Sharks, undefeated throughout the season, faced a formidable Leprechauns Maroon,
who came out with a relentless intensity.
Under 17 Australian representatives and the Leprechauns’ defensive duo, Ciarn MacBride and Charlotte Jonsen, played a pivotal role in stifling the Sharks’ offensive efforts.
The teenage twin towers were sensational, shutting down the sharks on multiple occasions, particularly in the first half.
Rattled early for the first time this season, the Sharks steadied the ship in the second half with experienced co-captains Amanda Barton and Kadlecek locking in on the contest.
Kadlecek, the captain of the PNG national team, praised her team’s composure.
“The Leprechauns girls came out really fired up and they got in our heads early, but I think we did really well to stay calm, cool and collected in the second half,” she said.
Kadlecek’s leadership was instrumental as the Sharks adjusted their game plan to counter the Leprechauns’ strategies.
Kadlecek was moved from centre to goal attack in an attempt to bolster their attacking opportunities in the fourth quarter.
“I think we just needed a steady circle, just some movement. Leps did a great job of putting together a game plan against our shooters,” Kadlecek said.
“It was Kelly’s idea, she’s the mastermind. She knows what to do.”
Veteran coach Kelly Hynes, whose tactical expertise has been a cornerstone of the Sharks’ success, acknowledged the challenge posed by the Leprechauns.
“What a rough game. We haven’t been challenged all season until tonight, and kudos to Leps because they definitely brought it and were really consistent tonight,” Hynes said.
“They really came together as a team, they defended the mid-court well and their shooters were really consistent. It was great for the contest, great for the crowd and for netball.
“I backed my team, I knew they would pull through. We’ve practised the tough moments.
It was a great effort from our club and we’ve got amazing talent coming through the ranks which is really exciting.”
Tremendously talented Asha Lynch-Simmons, in her debut season at senior level, made a significant impact at goal defence, proving her mettle on the big stage.
Part of the You For 2023 Olympics program and the Future Firebirds Academy, Lynch-Simmons’ performance was a promising sign for the future of the Sharks.
Defender Caitlin Jackson was equally impressive for the Sharks structure, snatching a number of intercepts.
As the final whistle blew, it was heartbreak for the Leprechauns who left it all on the court in a brave four-quarter performance against the odds.
The Sharks’ three-peat was secured, solidifying their status as a dynasty in Cairns Netball.
Dynasty in the making: Sharks eye third consecutive premiership against Leprechauns
A dynasty is on the cards as the Sharks search for a third-straight premiership against rivals Leprechauns Maroon.
Sharks, who have not lost a match this season, are looking to continue their incredible run of 19 straight victories this season on the biggest stage on Friday night at Cairns Netball Association.
Meanwhile, Leps Maroon will be gunning for the ultimate upset led by Far North stars Ciarn MacBride, Charlotte Jonsen, Ella Sheppard and Emily Grace.
Sharks coach Kelly Hynes – who has a wealth of experience with the Queensland Firebirds and Northern Rays – said her side was well-connected, committed and capable of executing an array of strategies.
“We have really strong depth with 11 players that can change the game in different ways,” she said.
“We have flexibility with utilities who can play multiple roles. (Captain of the PNG national team) Michaela Kadlecek, (Sharks captain) Amanda Barton and our new player this year Rachel Faanana – their versatility is exceptional. They’re our team leaders and they all lead from the front.”
Hynes said the talented Asha Simmons has been the rising star of her side and a player to watch.
Leading the Sharks in her debut season, she has deployed a strategy called “red”.
“We have a strategy that we call red, it’s a little bit of a different strategy that we play in Queensland or Australia.
“It’s a space marking defensive system and my team executes that really well and it gets us a lot of turnovers in defence. It’s a strong zone press.”
Sharks faced the Leprechauns Maroons in the opening week of the finals, winning 50-34.
Leprechauns bounced back the following week against Leprechauns Pink in a 56-41 victory, booking their place in the do-or-die grand final.
The grand final will take place at Cairns Netball Association with action starting on Friday at 8pm on court five.
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Originally published as ‘One-point thriller’: Sharks make netball history, clinch three-peat in nail-biter
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