Pelorus premier netballers make club history

History was made at Stadium 2000 this afternoon when Pelorus Edridge Contracting claimed the first-ever premier netball title for their club.

In a thrilling finale to the local netball season, Pelorus battled their way to a 50-51 victory over reigning champions Harlequins Indevin, who were previously unbeaten this season.

The game was decided in the final seconds. Pelorus went into the final stanza with a five-goal lead after powering ahead in the third quarter, but Harlequins were not about to relinquish their crown without a decent fight and levelled the scores at 50-50 with 49 seconds on the clock.

Pelorus had the centre pass and opted to shift the ball around, seeking the best opportunity to find their shooters. Eventually they created an opening and the ball was fired into the hands of Paige Lovell who put up the shot. The ball rolled around the hoop before dropping in, prompting a deafening roar from the Pelorus supporters.

With little time remaining for Quins to mount a meaningful attack, the final whistle soon sounded and Pelorus were able to celebrate becoming the 2023 premier champions after falling at the final hurdle in the three previous finals.

Co-captain Jordy Peipi said, “it has been a long time coming, but we are so stoked to get over the line today”.

“We knew we had the team to do it but also knew we had to grind all the way … put a 60-minute performance out there to beat Quins, and we did it.

“It is amazing for the club … it felt like everyone was thinking, ‘c’mon, we can do it this year’.”

Jordy said the final few moments felt like an eternity, but said they had faith in Paige to come through when the match came down to one shot.

The experienced shooter admitted she had an eye on the clock as her team mates passed the ball around in the final seconds.

“I was thinking that the clock was counting down quite quickly but there was still 20 seconds left when they got it to me and I thought ‘it’s now or never’. I shot it and [the ball] stayed on the rim for a little bit and then just dribbled in much to my relief.

“We had lost to Quins three times during the season, with the biggest margin about 40, so there was no pressure on us coming into the game. We just came out to have fun and got the win.”

Pelorus Netball Club president Gail Wallace, who has been with the club for 23 years said it was a very special moment for the club formed in 1985.

“It is so damn exciting it’s not funny. I am so proud. These girls have worked tremendously hard. A lot of them are new to the club and they have come together so well. The atmosphere has been amazing.

“I got told by someone, who I won’t name, that it was likely to be a one-sided final and I said, our girls have worked really hard so I am hoping they are going to prove you wrong’, and they did.”

The omens were not quite as promising at the start of the match.

Harlequins turned over Pelorus’s first three possessions, with keeper Wendy Trolove outstanding, both in the defensive circle and when coming out hunting.

Quins were able to put up 23 shots in the first 15 minutes, compared with their rival’s 13, and led 13-9 at the first break, Bridget Gane, Simone Pedersen and Sophie Robinson gaining an early edge in midcourt.

After a nervous opening by both sides, the match settled in the second quarter, both sides attempting 16 shots and Pelorus coming out on top 13-12 as they reduced the deficit to three goals at the main break.

The third quarter was the match-turner, Pelorus taking control of the midcourt through Brittney Lyons, Peipi and Laura Evans, while Lovell and the elusive Megan Cosgrove took advantage of a wealth of possession with an outstanding 16 from 21 shooting effort under finals pressure.

Defensively, Danelle Moffatt and Ella Smith applied maximum pressure to Quins’ shooters Wiri Bristowe and Lauren Murray, making them work hard for circle position and shooting space as Pelorus moved out to a 38-33 lead.

The final stanza was an absolute thriller, the scores see-sawing throughout as Quins continually closed the gap, only for Pelorus to edge ahead again. Quins made a final quarter change, Kirsty Boase coming into the game for Mackenzie Baird, who had worked well in tandem with Trolove. With Bristowe continuing to drop in the goals at the other end, and snapping up most of the rebounds, Quins worked their way back into a winning position, but ultimately fell short as an inspired Pelorus side had the final, dramatic say.

Scores: Pelorus Edridge Contracting 51 (Paige Lovell 39/51, Megan Cosgrove 12/16) Harlequins Indevin 50 (Wiri Bristowe 39/49, Lauren Murray 11/27). Quarter scores (winning team first): 9-13, 13-12, 16-8, 13-17.