The annual playoffs to settle who will be playing in which Premier League Division always has its fair share of nail biting tension and excitement and it was no different this year as the event moved to Sheffield rather than its usual recent home of Loughborough.
Premier League 3
As usual there were three groups each containing four teams, the top two in each after the round robin competition would head for the final three matches with the winner of each playing Premier League 3 Netball next season. Group A consisted of Dudley Leisure (8th PL3), Seatonians (North East), Dreams (South) and Poole (South West). Group B featured Riverside (9th PL3), Blackpool (North West), Billericay (East) and Charnwood (East Midlands). Group C was contested by Herts Hornets (10th PL3), Poly (London & SE), Hi-Tech (Yorks & Humberside) and Leamington (West Midlands)
Premier League 3
As usual there were three groups each containing four teams, the top two in each after the round robin competition would head for the final three matches with the winner of each playing Premier League 3 Netball next season. Group A consisted of Dudley Leisure (8th PL3), Seatonians (North East), Dreams (South) and Poole (South West). Group B featured Riverside (9th PL3), Blackpool (North West), Billericay (East) and Charnwood (East Midlands). Group C was contested by Herts Hornets (10th PL3), Poly (London & SE), Hi-Tech (Yorks & Humberside) and Leamington (West Midlands)
Dudley Leisure were facing Seatonians in their first match and their bid to remain in Prem 3 got off to a great start as they ran out 43-33 winners. Poole from the South West faced near neighbours Dreams from the South Region and this south coast battle went the way of the Dorset team by 41-35. The two winners of Dudley and Poole were kept apart in Round 2 of matches so both knew a win would see them through with a game to spare. Dudley were facing Dreams and booked their place in a final with a 42-29 win that saw Dreams hopes dashed for this year unless Seatonians could beat Poole and give all three something to play for in the last round of matches. Seatonians started well and raced into a 4-0 lead against a Poole side who just could not settle in the opening minutes. The gradually began to pull themselves together and just over halfway through the quarter they had pulled back to 7-7. Poole then took the lead, this time Seatonians responded well and a good finish to the period saw the North Easterners lead 11-10. The second quarter started evenly, the teams looking well matched, Poole would edge in front but Seatonians would reign them back in. It was level at 14-14 before Poole finally stepped up a gear and started passing the ball around with greater confidence, moist of the good things for Poole coming from their Centre and Wing Attack. Fine shooting from their Goal Shooter saw them lead by 5 points which they maintained until half time, the score 25-19.
The third quarter saw Seatonians battle back strongly, a run of three goals without reply saw their deficit cut to four points before Poole responded with a three goal burst of their own. After an even spell Poole pulled away as the period reached its conclusion and they led going into the last 15 minutes by 37-27. It was an even but not spectacular last quarter that saw the sides exchange nets on a regular basis. Poole at one point led by 13 points but Seatonians were never really able to make much of a dent in that lead and as the match finished Poole took it 50-40 as they along with Dudley Leisure booked their place in the finals. This meant the third round match between Seatonians and Dreams was a dead match but Dreams adapted well and ran out comfortable 45-20 winners. The battle to finish top between Dudley and Poole was a fairly low scoring affair which after a shaky start saw Poole emerge 35-29 winners to take the group with Dudley as runners up.
The finals lined up with Poole vs Hi-Tech, Dudley Leisure vs Billericay and Poly vs Charnwood.
Congratulations to Billericay (46-28), Charnwood (47-38) and Poole (54-42) Netball Clubs who will be playing Premier League 3 Netball next season. Another great weekend of top Netball.
Although a disappointing weekend for Seatonians, it was a great for the squad to be together and we will come back harder and stronger next season! Well done to Molly Atkinson and Sophie Grigg for making their first senior appearance at Premier League Playoffs!
Thanks again to our sponsor; Leeds building Society and North East Foot Centre. The North East Foot Centre has kindly offered Seatonians a 15% discount for anything bought online. If you would like to take advantage of this offer then please contact Rachel Cassidy for the code.
The third quarter saw Seatonians battle back strongly, a run of three goals without reply saw their deficit cut to four points before Poole responded with a three goal burst of their own. After an even spell Poole pulled away as the period reached its conclusion and they led going into the last 15 minutes by 37-27. It was an even but not spectacular last quarter that saw the sides exchange nets on a regular basis. Poole at one point led by 13 points but Seatonians were never really able to make much of a dent in that lead and as the match finished Poole took it 50-40 as they along with Dudley Leisure booked their place in the finals. This meant the third round match between Seatonians and Dreams was a dead match but Dreams adapted well and ran out comfortable 45-20 winners. The battle to finish top between Dudley and Poole was a fairly low scoring affair which after a shaky start saw Poole emerge 35-29 winners to take the group with Dudley as runners up.
The finals lined up with Poole vs Hi-Tech, Dudley Leisure vs Billericay and Poly vs Charnwood.
Congratulations to Billericay (46-28), Charnwood (47-38) and Poole (54-42) Netball Clubs who will be playing Premier League 3 Netball next season. Another great weekend of top Netball.
Although a disappointing weekend for Seatonians, it was a great for the squad to be together and we will come back harder and stronger next season! Well done to Molly Atkinson and Sophie Grigg for making their first senior appearance at Premier League Playoffs!
Thanks again to our sponsor; Leeds building Society and North East Foot Centre. The North East Foot Centre has kindly offered Seatonians a 15% discount for anything bought online. If you would like to take advantage of this offer then please contact Rachel Cassidy for the code.