The George Tavern saw off a huge challenge from Club Maitland City to progress to next Saturday's Maitland A-grade netball grand final against Hills Solicitors.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The two teams who had battled for second spot throughout the year produced a quality game with The George prevailing in the end 44-36.
The reigning premiers get their chance to defend their title as resume their fierce rivalry with Hills, facing each other in their fourth consecutive grand final.
The George have won two of those encounters but will need to be at their very best to prevent Hills from collecting the premiership double in 2018.
Hills beat The George 67-27 in the major semi-final, but history suggests the grand final will be a much closer affair. The George won 36-35 in the 2015, Hills won 51-49 in 2016 and the George won 36-34 last year.
City fell one game short of the grand final for the second year straight, but showed Maitland netball’s top grade now has a big three, rather than the dominant two of recent years.
Nexus Power Comets progressed to the A2 grand final the hard way beating Purnell Trophies 42-32 in their second sudden death final after beating Hoppers 25-24 in the opening elimination final.
The Comets meet Maitland Blacks team Black Mamba in the decider.
Ten of the 24 victors on Saturday progressed from elimination finals.
Preliminary final results:
- A1: The George Tavern 44 def Club Maitland City 36
- A2: Nexus Power Comets 42 def Purnell Trophies 32
- A3: Red Hot 39 def MRBNC Black Chikkos 25
- A4: Kaos 37 def Phoenix 26
- B1: MRBNC Regatta Blacks 43 def Kamikaze 31
- B2: Dream Team 45 def Mukka Mad Boys 26
- B3: Impact 38 def Odyssey 25
- B4: All Sort 38 def Day Release 31
- C1: Spirits 35 def Queens 19
- C2: Purple Poppies 38 def Uncorked 27
- T1: Serenity 48 def Falcons 33
- T2: HVGS Luna 25 def RMBNC Black Diamonds 21
- T3: Firestorm 26 def Heartbreakers 16
- Inter-1: Zeal 49 def Opals 22
- Inter-2: Embers 42 def Karuah Kitchens 40
- Inter-3: Jinx 35 d Bandits 18
- Inter-4: Fanatics 29 def Murphy Building 15
- 12-1: Red M&M's 28 def HVGS Lightning 26
- 12-2: The Walkie Talkies 22 def Diamonds 17
- 11-1: RBs 26 def Love Bugs 23
- 11-2: Moon Beans 17 def Fireflies 11
- 11-3: Tanzanites 28 def Bellas 13
- 10-1: Shooting Stars 30 def Mini Marvels 28
- 10-2: Starburst 18 def Starz 16
While you’re with us, did you know The Mercury is now offering breaking news alerts, bi-weekly email newsletters and more? Keep up-to-date with all the local news - sign up here.