History repeats as Kestrels season ends

CBT Minor Semi Final 2005

In Commonwealth Bank Trophy history, the Melbourne Phoenix, Adelaide Thunderbirds and the Sydney Swifts have appeared in every semi-final except one. And since the competition’s inception in 1997, a fourth placed side has never made it to the grand final.

This historical pattern has not been broken in 2005 as the fourth placed Melbourne Kestrels were overpowered by the Thunderbirds 65-48 in the minor semi-final at ETSA Park, Adelaide.

The Kestrels got out to a blistering start in the do-or-die semi-final and led by as many as seven goals early in the first quarter. But after the Thunderbirds took a tactical time-out in the first quarter, the Adelaide side stepped up a gear and left the Kestrels behind.

By the end of the game the Thunderbirds had dominated possession with 76 attempts at goal, compared to the Kestrels 58 attempts.

The Thunderbirds were able to capitalize on their possession as goalers Kristen Heinrich and Natalie Medhurst produced a stellar team effort, combining to shoot 68 from 76 at 89%.

Kestrels coach Jane Searle believes her side did not produce their best when it counted. She cited her side’s goal shooting as a particular problem area saying, “We didn’t shoot very well in that first quarter. And if you give a team like that an opportunity, they take it from there.”

Kestrels captain Cynna Neele was sorely disappointed that her team was unable to be the first fourth placed side to make it to a grand final. “It’s really disappointing,” she said. “Their attack end just blew us out of the water.”

Melbourne’s other netball side, the Phoenix, were more successful this week, narrowly defeating the Swifts 49-47 in the major semi-final and earning a direct passage to the Commonwealth Bank Trophy grand final.

Next Thursday the Sydney Swifts and Adelaide Thunderbirds will play to secure the remaining grand final space.

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