There is an old saying in netball that the third quarter is the championship quarter.
And so it proved true for Sutherland as the Stingrays won the inaugural Netball NSW Premier League title, edging rivals Manly Warringah 50-49 in the grand final last Wednesday night.
The Stingrays, who finished the season as minor premiers on percentages over Manly, trailed by two goals at half-time before a strong third term saw them turn it around and lead by two.
It was a tense final quarter, with Sutherland hanging on to win by one to see them crowned as the Premier League winners in the competition’s first season.
Stingrays coach Maria Lynch said the club was elated with the result – and particularly the big third quarter that proved to be the difference.
“People talk about the third quarter being the championship quarter and that’s where Manly started to miss a few things,” she said.
“You could see their body language changing but we just kept chipping away. We stayed nice and composed.
“In a game like that where it’s so tight and close you’re going to make mistakes but it’s how you cope with mistakes.
“Every girl did their job to put us in a winning position and there were some tight tussles but I think our girls got on top of them position for position.”
Lynch said while it had been a “roller coaster year” the club was proud of the successful season, with plenty to build on in the future.
“We’ve had players not available and out with injuries at different stages but there was always a belief in the team right from the beginning,” she said.
“Grand finals aren’t usually the prettiest of games but it was close and exciting.
“It was a traditional grand final. Teams trying to assert their authority. Very topsy turvy with neither side being able to get much of a flow going.
“It’s a testament to how close the competition has been.
“There’s plenty to be excited about I think in the years to come. We’ve taken a lot from this season.”
In the under-20s grand final, UTS St George Sparks were beaten 60-53 by Panthers.
