Sport
21 August, 2024
KLU confident they can be competitive against Rupanyup | HDFNL finals
Kaniva Leeor United takes on Rupanyup at Harrow Reserve.
The Rupanyup Panthers narrowly missed out on taking a top-two spot, falling short on points percentage in the final round.
Now, as attention turns to the year's first elimination games, Kaniva Leeor United hopes to send the Panthers A grade out of competition in straight sets.
Rupanyup takes on Kaniva Leeor United at Harrow Reserve on Saturday, August 24 if the first HDFNL elimination final of the 2024 season.
Cougars A grade coach Kylie King said her side is really excited for the match.
"We're actually really competitive against Rupanyup," she said.
"Even though we've been defeated by them both times we've faced them, we've had really competitive games each time.
"Sp they players know that if they can strong four solid quarters together, we're really competitive against Rupanyup."
The Cougars come into this game refreshed after sitting out the last round of the regular season with a bye.
"The team was actually quite happy to have the Bye, have a week off and and rest up," King said.
"They're ready to hit the finals all guns blazing."
Earning a spot in this seasons finals series highlights the turnaround of the clubs netball program, after forfeiting its 2023 season, the side has proven stronger than some would have credited them.
"A big focus at the start of the season was was about the fact that we hadn't had an A grade and we needed to do our best to make finals," said King.
"Now that we've made it to the six, they've forgotten about last year and are really just concentrating on the on the job ahead."
Rupanyup is coming off the back of a 36-goal win against Harrow Balmoral, and when the Panthers last met the Cougars, the red and blue claimed the chocolates by 18 goals.
Rupanyup's B grade netballers will also be on court at Harrow, taking on the Swifts.
Meanwhile, one of the Swifts other finals contending netball sides will take on Kaniva Leeor United in the 13 & under grade.
Two Harrow Balmoral sides will take on the first weekend of finals on one of their own home courts.
The Southern Roos' 15 & under side takes on Laharum, and the club's C grade side takes on Edenhope Apsley.
In the 17 & under, Pimpinio contends with Taylors Lake.
And in C reserve, Laharum meets Pimpinio.
The day's winners will move on to a semi final against the winner of the weekend's other elimination final at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve on Sunday, September 1.