DESPITE the absence of one of its most important players, the Cavaliers wrapped up second spot on the State Netball League ladder at the weekend after wins over Southern rivals Karana and Kingston in Devonport.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Cavs knocked off Karana 52-30 on Saturday, before downing Kingston 66-19 on Sunday, with that margin enough to ensure a top-two spot.
They completed the double without the injured Cath Van Keulen, the attacking weapon last week selected in the Tassie Spirit squad.
The Cavs started strongly against Karana, with Shelby Miller in mid-court providing plenty of drive to Estelle Margetts.
Defenders Dannie Carstens and Sandra Bayles starved Karana of scoring opportunities as they opened up an eight-point lead at the first break.
The pressure of the Cavaliers' defence caused a number of turnovers in the second quarter and they led 29-12 at half-time.
That was extended to 22 at the final change, a margin that remained at the end of the match, with Carstens best on court.
Against Kingston, Margetts and Kate Gibson converted at 90 per cent for the first half which set the Cavaliers off to a 31-12 lead, and strong play at wing attack from player of the match Lucy Thannhauser completed the 47-point win.
Coach Lynda Colgrave was pleased that her team had shown four full quarters of pressure leading into the finals this weekend.
In the 19-and-under competition, the Cavaliers secured the minor premiership with a 42-26 win over Karana on Saturday and a 38-32 win over second-placed Kingston.
The Northern Hawks, who finished fourth on the ladder, also had wins against the two Southern teams.