Reign of terror over as Kazuals end Aztecs’ 36-game winning streak in boilover

It is one of the longest winning streaks in all of Geraldton sports, but it finally came to an end on Tuesday when for the first time since the 2020 grand final Aztecs were not on the winners’ list.

For the last two-and-a-half years everyone else has been making up the numbers in division 1 of the Geraldton Netball Association, with Aztecs completing back-to-back perfect seasons.

The only team that has ever threatened that run has been Kazuals who got within one goal in round seven last year but were outclassed in the finals.

The gap had only appeared to widen this year with Kazuals unable to get within 10 goals of the Aztecs in their previous two meetings this season.

But Tuesday night finally showed Aztecs could indeed be beaten as Kazuals got over the line 51-48.

It stops what looked like was going to be a third straight perfect season for Aztecs and gives hope to Kazuals — runners-up to Aztecs in 2018, 2019 and 2022 — that they have what it takes to claim the cup.

In the late game, Lightning beat Pumas 42-39.

The teams had a 1-1 record against each other by virtue of a Pumas’ forfeit in round six, but the Pumas were the favourites only to suffer another Lightning shock like they did in last year’s elimination final.

Both teams are now locked on six points with only percentage separating them, while Aztecs still sit atop the ladder two points clear of Kazuals.