Cavaliers set sights on Hawks blockbuster after toppling Cripps

Their top two destiny is now in their own hands, but the TNL’s toughest test awaits Cavaliers next after Saturday’s win over Cripps Waratah.

Cavaliers coach Dannie Carstens is all smiles addressing her team after Saturday's win over Cripps Waratah. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

The Cavaliers’ top two destiny is now in their own hands after a final quarter flurry ensured they overcame Cripps Waratah in a tense top three TNL shootout at Silverdome on Saturday.

Down by four goals in the final term, the Cavaliers lifted down the stretch to secure a 58-55 win, outscoring the visitors 17-12 in the last term.

Both teams now have a 9-2 record, but Cavaliers sit second thanks to a superior percentage.

It turned the tables on a one-goal loss to Cripps Waratah early this season, and is the ideal preparation before next week’s Launceston derby against the unbeaten Hawks on Friday night.

Cavaliers coach Dannie Carstens credited their bench depth for being able to finish the game strongly, and already had her sights set on becoming the first side to topple the Hawks.

“We’ve certainly shown we need to have full capacity across our bench, and are very tactical with that,” she said.

“Our game plan was to make sure to get it to the circle edge and play short because they’ve got a really good off-line style.

Any balls that can be picked off by (Cripps defenders) Alex Vinen or Hannah Vinen, we give them opportunities if we put it in the air.

“It’s a great platform coming into Hawks next week. There’s some similar stuff they do to Cripps, they have that perceived pressure constantly and really our mistakes will let them in.” “If we value possession we’ll have a sniff.”

The Hawks won their previous encounter 63-60 in early May, thanks to an 18-14 last quarter.

The TNL also celebrated their Pride Round this weekend and Carstens, who wore a rainbow ribbon on her shirt courtside, said it’s important to continue promoting inclusivity in the sport.

Cavaliers and Cripps Waratahs players hold a moment's silence after their TNL clash on Saturday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Someone like Ash Brazill from Collingwood netball is paving the way for embracing that diversity and being comfortable in that space,” she said.

“It’s like a family away from your family, and we want to make sure we’re pushing that inclusity and diversity as well.”

Both teams had a moment’s silence after the game to acknowledge long-time TNL player Jamie Symons, whose brother Kane died in the Hunter Valley bush crash tragedy last weekend.

“I think you don’t really understand the effect people have on you until these horrible situations happen,” Carstens said.

“In netball we’re fierce competitors but it puts things in perspective, and the netball community rallies around each other.”

In other matches fourth-placed Karana held off South East Suns 49-45 and Devon were far too strong for Arrows 92-17.

The Hawks will host the Kingston Blues in the final match of the round at Silverdome on Sunday afternoon.