SUNRISE Netball Club have booked their grand final spot in the Honiara Netball Association (HNA) 2024 season after defeating Sosa Faywrights in 64-50 in a highly contested Super Division first semi-finals on Saturday at the Multipurpose Outdoor Court.
The two Super Division heavyweights Sunrise and Sosa Faywrights met in the first semi-finals, eyeing a spot in the grand-final and Sunrise successfully secured their grand final spot.
Sunrise after their semi-final win, they now confirm their spot in the Super Division grand final waiting for either Suvania 1 or Phoenix when they meet in the second semi-finals this afternoon.
Sunrise coach player Britney Basia told Star Sports after the match that they were super excited with their semi-final win which confirmed their spot in the grand final playoff.
It is a big achievement for the team based on our aims to reach the final.
“Our win is all about team work and dedication and we are happy about that. On behalf of the team, the players we are happy to book our grand final spot and we look forward for the finals,” Basia said.
Basia said Sosa Faywrights gave them a good fight but added that despite their win, they have identified few areas, such as footwork and passes, which they need to work on before their grand final match.
“Looking forward for the finals, we will work on those areas identified and make sure to improve them”, Basia said.
Despite falling short of victory to Sunrise, Helen Aumae of Sosa Faywrights thanked her players for putting on a good fight until the final whistle.
She said Sosa Faywrights is one of the youngest team in the Super Division and despite this, they have proved their worth in the semi-final battle to Sunrise.
“I am super proud of my girls for their efforts and determination throughout the match. They put on a tightly contested match against Sunrise. I also want to thank Sunrise for giving us a good fight and we wish them all the best in the finals.
“Now, we will prepare for the third-place playoff against the second semi-final loser. Therefore, we will work on areas we need to improve on,” Aumae concluded.
Meanwhile in Division A, Southerners 2 have edged past Owaraha 1 in a thrilling semi-final battle that saw Southern 2 secure its grand final spot after defeating Owaraha 1, 34-31.
In Division B, Skaelaen Aero secured their grand final spot after beating Gold Ridge 2, 27-25.
Division C are yet to complete their final pool games and so they will continue with their catch pool games this week before going into playoffs.
For the second semi-finals for Super Division – Divisions A and B – will continue this afternoon with 3 tough semi-finals for both divisions.
Kicking of the second semi-finals for both the division’s at 2:30 pm today are Hale Kolei of Division B at 2:30pm of Division B.
Thereafter Lakers will take on G/Berets 2 at 3:30pm for the Division A before Suvania 1 will face Phoenix at 4:30pm for the Super Division.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
