MATCH: Aztec Prem 1 v Timbertown Shelly Park
VENUE: Netball Manurewa WON BY: Aztec Prem 1 FINAL SCORE: 51 - 50
Game day was here, Aztec having achieved their set goal for the season “to secure Super12 spot for 2013”, looked to set another goal over the last week - “to win back to back RPL Div 1 titles”.
Missing their gutsy GD Italia Tipelu - absent due to Volleyball Nationals in Nelson, and the late arrival of formidable GS Dannielle Steffany who rushed to the game from a university exam in Auckland, the task was going to be a tall ask. Aztec took these challenges in their stride and set out to play as a team and for each other.
Aztec started poorly (a common trait for the season), and the new shooting combination of Valentina Fesolai in GS and Latoiza Leaso in GD didn’t gel as they had hoped. Conversely TTSP started well, and set about capitalising on Aztec’s error ridden first quarter performance. ¼ time score: 6 - 17 to TTSP
The injection of Steffany at GS and youngster Stephanie Campbell at GD saw an instant change to Aztec’s composure and team cohesion. Slowly, one goal at a time Aztec regained control scoring an amazing 20 goals to 10 in the 2nd quarter - bringing the scoreline to within 1 goal at half time. ½ time score: 26 - 27 to TTSP
With only standing room left in the entire venue, the atmosphere was tense - this was going to be a “battle to the end”! Aztec maintained their composure and overtook the lead on the scoreboard within the first 5 minutes of the 3rd quarter. Strong midcourt play by Aztec midcourt magicians Marcia Bennett (WA), Ashleigh Timoko (GA), Shanna Coetzee (WD) and stalwart Leonie Matoe (C) enabled Aztec to maintain a very narrow lead. The defensive duo of Campbell & Vaivasa Fatialofa (GK) continued to stifle TTSP of the ball - the final quarter was set for a true Grand Final display! ¾ time score: 42 - 38 to Aztec
TTSP came out of the blocks fired up in the last quarter, with the steely determination not to let Aztec take the game without a challenge. Steffany continued to reward her Aztec team mates, successfully potting 37 goals from 43 attempts (86%) and Timoko in a more supporting role did her part outside the circle and as back up shooter with 13 successful goals from 14 (93%). However, in the latter part of the quarter, poor decision making by Aztec at crucial times, and their failure to chase loose balls, meant TTSP were eventually able to narrow the scoreline to within 1 goal of Aztec, with 30 seconds to go!
Coach Winnie Hauraki was elated with her teams hard fought win. “I thought it would probably be a shaky start but with the familiarity of playing catch up netball most of the season I knew the team had the know-how. It’s been a challenging season for us & I’m impressed with the teams courage and determination to get us to the final. I thought Timoko had an outstanding game tonight, along with Steffany whose shooting was once again phenomenal! But my star of the game was our young newcomer Stephanie Campbell - she went out on the court and did everything that was asked of her - and more! I am so proud of Steph, and I know the rest of the team is as well. We kept the faith & stuck to the philosophy it’s not how you start but how you finish. What a great way to end a season which was touted to be a ‘development’ season for Aztec!
Most Valuable Player: Stephanie Campbell
