Aztecs go back-to-back in final against Kazuals to complete two perfect seasons

The Aztecs completed the perfect season for the second year in a row as they downed the Kazuals in the Geraldton Netball Association final on Friday night. In front of a packed crowd, the Aztecs had too much class as they defeated Kazuals 66-55. Aztecs were always the favourites which is a tag that comes naturally when no one has beaten you for two years, and they were on fire early as they scored the first sox goals of the game. The Kazuals looked a bit shell-shocked as they could not get their hands on the ball as Abbie McDonald was dominating inside the circle. She had a slight height advantage over the Kazuals defenders allowing her to grab second-chance shots. A 6-0 start meant the Kazuals could not afford to be wasteful when they went forward and Kelsie Crowe was dead-eye in her shooting to make sure they could stay in the game. Both sides went goal for goal to close out the quarter as the Aztecs took a 15-10 lead into the first break. Aztecs maintained their dominance as Emily Williamson and Megan Drennan worked overtime for Kazuals to try to stem the tide. While Libby Shuttlewood shot well McDonald lost her range often shooting long and the Kazuals’ efficiency started to affect the scorebaord. After going out to as high as 10 goals the margin was back to two as Crowe and Claire Symons were able to make their shots. They also had a bit of luck go their way as the Aztec attack was looking flustered. However, they still had the better play across the court and once they managed to find the target they were able to stabilise and get the lead back out to five goals. While McDonald struggled Shuttlewood was excellent particularly from mid-range as they retook the initiative and took a 31-25 half-time lead. Aztecs continued to control the game with their strong defence, often forcing Symons in goal attack to come out the circle to offer a pass option which left Crowe often in two-on-one matchups. The Kazuals looked deflated as the Aztecs started to pick them apart with their elite passing game. Crowe still shot well even from range as she was forced to take shots further out from goal to try to keep pace. But Shuttlewood was just as good at the other end and McDonald had gotten over her yips to find the goals more consistently. They went into the last break up by 12 goals and looked utterly dominant. Kazuals fought it out playing with urgency in the final quarter but it was always going to be too much to overcome and the Aztecs eased home by 11 goals to claim back-to-back championships. Shuttlewood was named best and Fairest as she also took out rookie of the year and runner-up best and fairest across the season. Kelsie Crow won the overall honour for best and fairest but there was no stopping the Aztec might. West Coast Fever player Emma Cosh handed out the premiership medals as Aztec captain Paula Wilson thanked the Kazuals and her team. “You’ve had a fantastic season and thank you for a hard-fought game tonight,” she said. “To Leanne and the wonderful team the bond we have is why we’re here tonight we love playing netball together. “We’ve all worked really hard all year and it shows.” In the junior one final the Pumas completed their own undefeated season and went back-to-back as well in a convincing win over the Lightning 50-26. Having gone in 20-14 at half-time the Lightning would get outscored 30-12 in the second half as the Pumas defence kept forcing turnovers allowing them to run away with the match. Other finals results: Junior 6 Pumas 37 def Falcons 21 Junior 7 Pumas Green 23 def Lightning 21 Junior 8 Blue Pumas Green 26 def Lightning 17 Junior 8 Yellow Kazuals Purple 35 def Aztecs 19