Hills Solicitors defied a gale and their arch-rivals The George Tavern to book a place in the Maitland netball A-grade grand final.
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On a day when goals were at a premium, Hills, who wrapped up their sixth minor premiership in a row, were able to adapt to the conditions and ran out 31-18 winners.
Hills’ Tara Pluck said it was some of the toughest conditions she had played in but her team’s commitment to each other allowed them to prevail.
“There were a couple of times when I was running but I felt like I wasn’t moving,” she said.
“The shooters were under so much pressure. Every shot was so difficult to judge.
“We were quite surprised actually that the score was a high as it was.
“The defence did a terrific job as well. It really was a whole team effort.”
The George’s captain Amonie Lindsell said Hills had been able to adapt to the conditions better.
“It’s disappointing to go down by 13. It wasn’t our best performance. We’ve got areas to improve if we are going to beat Royal Federal next week,” she said.
To compound the trying and tiring conditions, both teams were reduced to just seven players, with mid-court players Alli Bevan and Michelle Cairns having to withdraw because of other commitments.
“They were both upset they had to miss the game, but they will be back for the grand final.
“The George also have had injuries and are missing one of their best players (Laura Nolan). I really feel for her because I had to sit out a season with a knee reconstruction. It’s so hard watching from the side and wondering if you will play again,” she said.
“We’ve also been without one of our best for the season, but she (Mel Morris) has been out for the better reasons as she is pregnant.”
Pluck said the team, which has one premiership from the past five grand finals, planned to watch next week’s preliminary final between The George and Royal Federal Hotel.
“We actually do most things together. We are really close friends on an off the field and I think that’s the major reason for our success over the years,” she said.
Pluck said she expected The George to bounce back, but Saturday’s preliminary final would be a tight contest.
“Whoever we face will be a tough game as both teams are very good,” she said.
“We’ve had the loser tag thrown at us because we’ve lost grand finals and I think it has motivated us a little bit more this year to prove the doubters wrong.”
