Pedler Cup champions: The successful Mid West side, from back left, Zoe Joyce (coach), Brittannia Thompson, Abbey Bruce, Hannah Petty (captain), Taylah LeBrun, Stella Goosay, front, left to right, Shelby McEvoy, Tara Scholz, Abbey Buckha and Sharnie DuBois.
MID West have won their second straight Pedler Cup, after defeating Eastern Eyre by five goals in an exciting final.
Mid West won all their preliminary games to automatically qualify for the final.
Eastern Eyre’s only loss was to Mid West, going down by just one goal in their preliminary match.
Mid West were attempting to win back to back Pedler Cups for the first time, while Eastern Eyre last won in 2009, which at the time was their sixth consecutive Pedler Cup.
With a close result in their last game and a full on day of netball behind them, there was no telling who could walk away with the Pedler Cup at the end of the day.
Eastern Eyre started strong, getting the first points on the scoreboard, creating a handy four goal lead by the halfway point of the first half.
Eastern Eyre’s defence kept Mid West at bay while their Wing Attack/Wing Defence team of M’Lis Beinke and Abbey Nield were effective in moving the ball down the court.
But soon Mid West bounced back, led by Hannah Petty in attack, Mid West were soon able to close the gap and take a one-goal lead going into the second half.
Hannah Petty made an impact on the scoreboard, assisted by Goal Shooter Shelby McEvoy.
Eastern Eyre started the second half the same as they started, pushing relentlessly to retake the lead.
Jordan Curtis came on for Abbey Nield in the second half, but was equally effective in the midfield.
Mid West continued their push as their midfield players pushed the ball down to the goal where Hannah Petty and Shelby McEvoy made a difference.
Ultimately, Mid West’s resolve proved stronger, and Hannah Petty in front of goal proved the difference as the team ran home to claim the Pedler Cup 32-27.
A great achievement for Mid West, especially after the team also performed well recently at the Country Carnival in Adelaide.
Coach Zoe Joyce said effective communication and the team’s experience made the difference.
“It was an excellent effort from the girls, they went out there and talked with each other and were able to work together to get the win,” she said.
“There are a lot of young players playing in the A grade side, giving them the experience they need to do well in these competitions.”
Eastern Eyre Manageress Donna Pengelley said the team played their hearts out in what was always going to be a tough game.
“It was a great game, the girls did a great job and put in 100 per cent,” she said.
“It was always going to be a close game and ultimately they proved to be too good on the day.”
Mid West will hope to make it three in a row when they host the next Pedler Cup competition in 2013.
For a report on the Pedler Shield and more photos from the weekend's action, get your copy of this week's West Coast Sentinel.
