C2 Grade

CLEVE v KIMBA… Having come from fourth position, this match between underdogs, Cleve, and minor premiers, Kimba, was going to be an interesting one. In the hot and windy conditions, Kimba got off to a flying start, scoring easily off their first few centre passes and overturning Cleve’s. They took a quick 6 –2 lead with their attackers moving the ball effortlessly into Theresa Girdham in goals, who capitalised on every opportunity. After a shaky start, Cleve soon settled with goal shooter, Lyn Kwaterski finding the ring, despite tight defence from Michelle Rayner. Cleve’s centre court players Nicole Humphries, Donna-Marie Walker and Julie-Anne Byrnes applied pressure through the mid-court. Turnovers allowed Cleve to even the score to eight all by quarter time. Both teams made position changes in the second quarter, with defenders Kirsty Marsh and Jill Davey taking the court for their respective teams. Kath Zaleski’s height in goals proved difficult for Cleve defenders with their attackers feeding beautifully. Deb Larwood continued to work hard in defence for Kimba, rebounding well and making it difficult for Cleve’s goalies to take passes cleanly. Pressure on Cleve’s passes at the centre pass allowed Kimba to take several interceptions, which they used to their advantage. Cleve were forced to interchange Imogen Constable late in the quarter due to the hot conditions, which unsettled Cleve momentarily, with Kimba taking the lead 19 goals to 16 at half time.

Further changes were made by both teams at half time and despite the heat, players came out strongly. Melissa Fennell’s fresh legs in centre gave Cleve good drive and the edge over Kimba with many deflections made around the ring.

Grace Chesson settled well into goals for Cleve, leading strongly and rebounding effectively. The Cleve team combined well with good support given down the court from defender Cathy Giersch. Cleve suffered a scare late in the quarter when shooter, Lyn Kwaterski took a fall. However, the game continued with both teams going goal for goal and again finishing with the score level at 27 goals apiece.