Southern regional Shield champions, Mount Carmel College have become the first southern team to take out the Tassie Hawks Netball Shield, overcoming a determined Scottsdale High 33-34 at the Silverdome in Launceston.

The triangular series saw Mount Carmel College register two wins, Scottsdale High School one win and Devonport High School without a win in the series. The attitude and approach from all teams to each game was first class.

The top two teams progressed to the Grand Final. Mount Carmel had the advantage going into the grand final of the Tassie Hawks Netball Shield, having previously defeated Scottsdale High School in the triangular series 28-22. The Silverdome was filled with excitement in anticipation for the final game of the day.

It was an electrifying opening quarter with both teams moving the ball quickly from one end of the court to the other. Sophie Bowen, captain of Scottsdale High put in a fantastic effort in the centre, making space for her teammate’s to pass to her. At the end of the ten minute first quarter the teams were evenly poised with only a goal the difference.

Throughout the second and third quarter, goals were scored one after the other with no room for error. Mount Carmel’s goal defence Emily Sharp produced some fantastic intercepts; however the third quarter break saw Scottsdale lead by two goals 19-21.

Coming into the final term both Scottsdale High and Mount Carmel College were focussed on the prize, playing a fast brand of netball with little mistakes. Mount Carmel was in front with one minute left on the clock when Scottsdale quickly scored to draw the game 26-26 at the conclusion of regular time, resulting in overtime to decide the eventual winner.

Overtime consisted of five minutes each way, with the team’s fighting hard for the ball. Both teams needed to slow down their play and focus on the game to secure the win. At the end of the first five minutes of overtime, Mount Carmel took advantage of Scottsdale turnover’s and went into the change of ends with a two point lead.

The final five minutes saw Scottsdale work back into the game and with a minute left on the clock they levelled the scored once again. The atmosphere was electric and the umpires and officials were bracing for additional extra time to decide the winner. However, with eight seconds left on the clock Emma Archer of Mount Carmel made the final score of the game resulting in their win against Scottsdale 34-33

Mount Carmel Goal Attack Emma Archer shot 27 of the team’s total goals while Scottsdale’s Tiarna Button shot 19 goals for the runners-up. Best players were Mount Carmel’s Emma Archer and Emily Sharp; and Scottsdale’s Sophie Bowen.

The Hawthorn Football Club and Netball Tasmania congratulate all competing teams for a fantastic series, and successful Tassie Hawks Netball Shield Grand Final.