Monday February 10th
THE PRELIMINARY FINAL
Matrics versus Contax.
Last weeks Qualifying Final between Garville and Matrics had an enthralled audience on the edge of their seats in a magnificent, hard fought, classic tussle of brilliant netball. What does this week’s final promise as only one team can advance to the Grand Final. What strategies will Contax coach Amy Willis have up her sleeve, what attacking ploys will Matrics mastermind Matt Harrison put out there! This match up promises to be a cliff hanger!
The match began with both teams patiently delivering ball to the goal circle with both shooters, Aiden Kelly for Contax and Alec Davis for Matrics the go to goalers. Both teams were measured and feeling each other out as full court defence made both teams having to often reset and reoffer before attacking space onto and in goal circles could be found.
It was relatively low scoring. Jaymz Farinola was creative in driving into attacking space for Contax as was Tom Cross for Matrics and hard working Will O’Callaghan was giving Matrics plenty of options in their goal third. It wasn’t long before the aerial brilliance and reading of play of defence dynamo Nate Wood at goalkeeper for Contax was having an impact. Aiden Kelly continued to be a strong target in Contax’s goal circle as Matrics began to move the ball in and around the goal circle with strategic interplay between Cross, O’Callaghan and William Sampson Matric’s goal attack to break up the tight marking of both Wood and Caleb Barnden.
Matrics finished the quarter ahead by 2 goals.
Matrics 13. Contax 11.
Matrics got out to an early break as the second quarter started as both Cross and O’Callaghan used the width and depth of the goal third to bring William Sampson into play, and Sampson put the shots up. However, it didn’t take Contax long to rally a challenge as the intensity of the match lifted. It was no holds barred as bodies clashed and defensive pressure went into overdrive, causing both teams to have to reset, reoffer and give and go. Caleb Barnden’s spectacular interceptions and driving passages into attacking space aided Contax’s challenge and had Matric’s goalers reluctant to go to the post!
A tough intense tussle until the whistle went to end the second quarter. Scores were 12 goals each.
Matrics 25. Contax 23.
Darren Vi came on to centre for Matrics as coach Harrison looked for fresh legs but Contax upped the pressure across the whole court and quickly levelled the score. Matrics settled but were stifled by their reluctance to go to the post rather played the ball in and around the goal circle. The well drilled combination of Wood and Barnden became a crucial factor as Contax found turn over ball and hit the front. Aiden Kelly at shooter was effective in screening space in the goal circle opening up options for the circle feeders to deliver, and he scored using strong holds and/or drops to undefended space. Matrics also often paid the price for favouring soft two handed passes that begged intercepting, and turn overs resulted. Error crept into Matrics attack end as they struggled to regain their momentum.
Contax won this quarter 15 goals each to 11.
Third quarter scores:
Matrics 36. Contax 38
Clearly coach Matthew Harrison had some interesting words to say to his lads in the break as the final quarter saw Matrics rebound and level the score in the opening 2 minutes. Will O’Callaghan was opening up Matrics attack third with strong attacking play, swinging the ball around at angles to draw Contax’s defender off their tight marking and having to watch both ball and play! Aiden Kelly was still having a big impact at shooter for Contax using his basketball skills to screen space and occasionally lay up at goal. It was on for young and old as the audience began to get loudly involved and at the 7 minute mark the scores were level, as Contax pulled back Matrics early scoring run. Farinola and Matt Mojares at goal attack were combining well and driving the ball onto the goal circle to set up Kelly. It was almost bedlam as the quarter drew to a finish. Nate Wood’s spectacular interceptions, added to Caleb Barnden’s brilliant running interception only to be matched by Ben Slade’s high flying deflection then Steve Braun’s interception in the closing minutes as the lead see sawed and the crowd jumped to their feet!
The sheer brilliance of the contest and the hard fought manner in which both teams played out their quest for a grand final berth was absolute credit to players ability to focus and hold their nerve, and both teams coaching crew’s abilities to hold it all together.
It was a spectacular albeit occasionally not pretty netball extravaganza that augurs well for both teams future aspirations and the growing quality of the Superleague competition here in SA.
Matrics managed to scrape a 2 goal win to head to next week’s Grand Final!
Final scores:
Matrics 49. Contax 47.
Contax have much to be proud of they challenged for four quarters and put together some brilliant netball. I’m sure coach Amy Willis after some reflection will see that she has created a very competitive unit with many positives to build on for next SuperLeague season.
Matthew Harrison and his support duo of Sheree Wingard and Luke Diamond now have to calm their lads and plan, prepare for and contest next week’s Grand Final.
I was fortunate enough to catch up with young Will O’Callaghan Matrics gun centre after this epic match. Will was nursing battle wounds, a jarred finger as we spoke.
Will’s netball involvement began when watching brother Reid play. He then started playing in the girls competition at St Ignatius until he was 12 and no longer ineligible to play in this competition. He then started in the Junior M League after turning 12 and from there progressed to the Southern Dragons in 2021. Covid restrictions put that on hold until the National Championships in 2022 in Adelaide where Will captained the 17 and Under team. At the 2023 National Championships in Perth, Will again represented SA in the 17’s as captain where he was well coached by the very experienced Mark Goreham. The team were runners up to Victoria.
Last year Will was in the state 23’s at the Brisbane nationals where he gained selection in the All Star 7, the best positional players for the tournament week. A HUGE achievement.
This year South Australia is fielding a 20 and under team at the Melbourne nationals and Will is again team captain.
Will is also a marathon athlete which accounts for his huge work rate and endurance capacity in high pressure matches. His preferred positions are centre and/or wing defence positions where he clearly shines.
Will is studying education at Uni SA focusing on primary years in particular, reception. As he looks to next weeks Grand Final Will believes that his team can trust their own game and put it together to pull of the win!
He spoke effusively about coach Matthew Harrison, how awesome and supportive he is, and how productive his feedback is for each individual and the whole team.
Will is looking forward to refining his game skills, to continue learning and developing as priorities and, he hopes to represent SA Open team in the not too distant future!
Will is clearly a young man on the move in the men’s netball world with talent galore and a potentially outstanding future.
Best of luck Will!
For some time now I have been hoping to have a chat with the diminutive men’s netball icon Judy Greenwood.
Where to start as this lady has a long and rich involvement in netball. She first got involved in Men’s netball when Brian Lines asked her to be his assistant coach of the State Open team in 2022. Previously Judy had a long involvement as a player and coach with the women and had coached South Australia, Netball Australia’s second tier competition. She also has coached State Under age teams, SA Country teams as well as mentoring players and coaches.
Clearly Judy has a passion for developing the younger netballer is most evident with her work with boys here in SA. A highlight has been her success with the 12 and under boys teams at National level. In 2023 her charges won a bronze medal and last year in Perth they won silver. These young lads are all the better for Judy’s experience knowledge and ability to foster growth and engagement. Underpinning Judy’s coaching is her efforts to ensure that each boy enjoys his experience, develops a love and passion for netball and as such, continues their involvement in the sport. In essence Judy is ensuring the future of men’s netball.
Judy is also coaching the SA Open mixed team for 2025 having had success last year
Truly a legend of the sport and a HUGE asset!
Well done Judy!
