In a game that had  no bearing on ladder positions, the two teams provided a goal-fest before the minor premiers, Uranquinty defeated the reigning premiers, New Kids Aces, 60-57.

Both teams went into the game, knowing that they would be facing the same opponent in next Saturday’s major semi-final.

Interest was centred on whether the teams would go all out for victory, or save some surprises for semi-final day.

It didn’t take long for spectators to realise that both teams were keen to gain a psychological advantage for that semi-final, by proving they were the better team.

Uranquinty went into the game without regulars, Paige Colenso, Bree Wood and Grace Cornell, while the Aces, for the first time in six weeks, had their full squad.

A high-scoring opening term saw the young Greens go to the first break with a 17-13 lead, with shooters, Lana Duffy and Hannah Finemore, enjoying the feed from centre, Olivia Tilyard and Meg Reinhold at wing attack.

The Aces’ shooters, Paige Guthrie and Lisa Frow, increased their return in the second quarter, and with Aces’ defenders, Rhiannon Podmore and Marie Campbell, doing well, the Aces outscored Uranquinty in the period to go to the long interval with just two goals separating the teams.

The second half was almost a scoring repeat of the first with the Greens holding sway in the third quarter and the Aces doing the better in the final term, resulting in a 60-57 win for the minor premiers.

If this game was an indicator of the standard of netball to be played in the finals series, spectators are in for a treat.

In the second of the final round matches, Shooting Stars showed they’ll be hard to beat in the minor semi-final, as they beat their opponent in that game, Turvey Park, 39-29.

Despite missing key players, Olivia Lang, Flynn Hogg, Michelle Forrell and Ruby Gooden the Stars showed the depth of their strength, with promoted goal keeper, Francis Heffernan and shooter, Kate Caller among their best.

A bright first quarter saw the Stars take a one goal lead into the first break, after some excellent shooting from both teams.

In the next two terms, the conversion rate of the Stars’ shooters, Caller and Stacey Curran was near perfect, while although Turvey’s Nicky Gallagher and Grace Carmichael netted some incredible goals, theirs wasn’t quite as productive.

Stars’ goal defence, Jemima Norbury, had a great tussle with Nicky Gallagher, which is sure to continue in next Saturday’s semi-final, and the Stars’ lead at the last change would surely have been by a greater margin had it not been for the usual reliable defence of Turvey’s Jaimee Smith and Claudia Barton.

The last quarter again provided a goal for goal contest. Jenee West was prominent for Shooting Stars, while Amanda Gooden and Kira Hallam were standouts for Turvey Park.