Saints came storming home in an awesome display of netball to defeat Intruders 34 -21 in the Mount Gambier Netball Association Grand Final last Saturday.

The mostly sunny but windy conditions played havoc with the shooting of both sides all game necessitating a higher skill level from goalies in both teams.

Both teams took the court confidently and started strongly with Intruders looking for the edge as in the first final that they played. Coach Leanne Bain was on the bench as reserve as her team took the court without star defender Janine Megaw, who suffered a knee injury in the match against Intruders last week.

Intruders Centre Le-Anne Thomson was a fierce competitor for Tanya Thompson who has had a stellar season, and they pushed each other to the limit for throughout the game.

With the strong defensive pressure Intruders Coach Sam Primmer and Vicky Doody had to work hard around the ring. This, combined with the strength of the wind, was a tough task for the duo, and it wasn't aided by Sonya Neale being at her best using her agility to manoeuvre her body and deflect any ball that was near making it tough for the Saints side to penetrate the ring.

Although Intruders goalies Amanda Easson and Nicole Rutkowski although were challenged in the ring with the height of Saints defenders Megan Ridding and Kerry Schmidt, their shooting ability pulled them through on many occasions. Ridding and Schmidt played well together supporting each other in the goal third picking off loose balls, Intruders used a lot of bounces and low passes to combat the height of the defenders.

Steph Wighton played on the wing and her fitness challenged her opposite being quick to the ball producing the turnover on many occasions throughout the game and worked well with Rhiannon Primmer and Thompson through the mid court.

In the second quarter Saints moved Schmidt into goals in an attempt to combat the Intruders defenders with her height. Neale and Ashlie Michell continued to work hard against the goalies and with the interference of the wind it played havoc with Schmidt's shooting.

Intruders remained unchanged through the game while Saints made some changes to their mid court as well as Schmidt moving back to the defence which made a difference to the Saints campaign.

Intruders trailed behind all game but kept up the intense pressure over the court with both sides causing errors with the sheer determination to get the ball.

Association Best and Fairest Thompson injured her ankle in the final quarter and was assisted off the court which Saints were forced to make a reshuffle of their mid court.

Intruders took the opportunity to regroup and continued to work hard but Saints were just too strong over the court. Doody and Primmer hit their stride in the last half and finished off the win for their team after a year of hard work.

Whilst Intruders would be disappointed with the outcome, they have made a huge effort after a slow start to the season.

It was a great end for the day with Rhiannon Primmer being awarded the Player of the Match after suffering a loss in the Under 17 Grand Final against Intruders.

Thanks to Donna Fleming for her netball contributions.

Preparations are already underway for the 2010 season, and Lake News will be bringing you netball coverage from the first game of the season, with regular updates as the season progresses.