Sport
3 September, 2024
Talbot’s fairytale run continues into prelim
MARYBOROUGH GIANTS (46) def by TALBOT (48)
The run of the B.A Road Services Talbot Hawks has continued, with the Hawks coming from behind to secure a two-goal victory against the Maryborough Giants to get into a preliminary final against Avoca.
Coming into this game, a fairytale story was guaranteed, with the Hawks looking to continue their remarkable turnaround from recent struggles, while the Giants were seeking their first finals victory in their history after a stunning home-and-away campaign which landed a top four berth.
Early on, it was the Hawks — in front of a raucous atmosphere at Princes Park — who made the early running, getting out to an early lead before the Giants settled.
That allowed the Hawks to lead by two goals at the opening change, scoring 12 goals to 10.
The Giants were slowly starting to take control of the game, and in particular, it was the hard work of Charlotte Cain and Abbey Raven who were able to get the game back on level pegging.
On the other side of the equation, the shooting of Dom Roche, as well as the intercept game of Isabelle Rustman, ensured that the Hawks were still maintaining an interest, and scores were all tied up at 24 at the main break.
Raven was proving to be a key for the Giants, and while playing-coach Annalyse Carroll had her hands full with Stella Roche, Raven was able to get into good positions to score at will, ensuring the Giants would turn for home with a 37-34 lead at the final change.
After a goal-for-goal start, Talbot would slowly ease their way back into the game, and would get some key intercepts which would allow them to draw level, before scoring the final two goals to ensure they would take victory.
Both Dom and Stella drew praise for their games at both ends of the court, and it was an emotional playing group which greeted the final siren as the Hawks managed to take their second big win in succession.
Dom finished with 43 goals for the victorious Hawks, while for the Giants, Raven scored 24 goals and Carroll 22.
For the Giants, it ends an incredible first season for the club — and although it didn’t yield a finals victory, it sets up a good foundation for the club going forward, with many strong teams who will help the club remain in the premiership window.
But this was Talbot’s day, and an emotional playing-coach in Eleisha Phelps offered up her thoughts on such a momentous occasion.
“It’s emotional for everyone. I don’t think anyone expected us to get this far, even into the finals. It’s incredible,” she said.
“We said, as a group, at three-quarter-time, that we could still win, and they chipped away and kept going. Because we’re so hungry for it, I think that helped us get over the line.
“I’m lost for words, and I’m proud of the girls. I just hope we can keep it going.”
Phelps says the Hawks’ nothing-to-lose attitude was crucial when push came to shove, especially as they launched their comeback bid in the final term.
“I said to the girls to go for every loose ball and every rebound, and I said to react every time there was a turnover, because you want the ball more. We wanted to keep our setup, be composed and be patient in attack,” she said.
“I think the pressure is off as we are the underdogs and no one expects us to win. To be able to work our way through this far in the finals is incredible, and I love it.”
Phelps offered up praise for both Stella and Rustman for their defensive prowess.
“It was tough down back. It was hard (for Stella and Isabelle), but they are agile and quick, and they read the game really well. They want the rebounds and grip it with two hands, and get it into transition so quickly for us too,” she said.
Phelps also offered up an encouraging message for her partner-in-crime in the goal circle in Dom.
“Dom is a gun, she’s a rising star and she is unstoppable. I hope she continues her netball career, because she can go far,” she said.
With results going Talbot’s way so far, Phelps believes there is no reason to not continue to dare to dream, despite Avoca taking wins by 31 goals in round two and 52 goals in round 11 earlier this season.
“We aren’t going by how we went during the home-and-away season because we are a different team. We are stronger, our game plan is completely different, our structure is working so well and we can get it down the court,” she said.