Sturt earned a berth by defeating last year’s runner-up Brown Hill Blaze 51-47 at Llanberris Netball Centre on Tuesday night. 

While Dela Assuntas are chasing a 10th consecutive premiership, Brown Hill will miss out on playing in a grand final for the first time since 2006.

Sturt goal shooter Cynna Kydd scored 38 points in the game. Kydd’s direction headed a well structured attack line with goal attack Amanda Guthrie, Kelly Sommerville in centre and wing attacks Laura Allan and Stacey Rae. 

Brown Hill defenders Mel Allan and Emma Burton worked tirelessly in the circle and centre Kirsty Walsh with wing defences Kara Hart and Molly Boyle were able to hold up play before the ball reached Sturt’s goal area. 

Brown Hill’s attack line remained unchanged for the entire game. 

Laura McDonald and Gina McCartin were in the goal circle and worked together with quick passing and lots of movement and scored 29 between them.

Stacey McCartin and Kirsty Walsh fed the ball precisely to McDonald and McCartin, who were finding space.

Sturt defenders Emma Simpson and Emma Somerville closed the space in the goal circle when possible. 

Brown Hill wasn’t able to get over Sturt’s early five-goal lead in the first quarter. Sturt won the first and third quarters and Brown Hill won the second and fourth, making it a very tight game. 

In the Laffey Shield, Sturt Opals defeated Dela WAC’s 37 to 33 last night for Sturt Opals to go through to the grand final and play Sturt Emerald.

Wendouree HDR will play Brown Hill Thunder in the Camera House Trophy, after Brown Hill Thunder defeated Brown Hill Lightning 38 to 34 last night to take the second spot in the grand final. 

Both the Laffey Shield and Camera House Trophy grand finals will be played before the Athlete’s Foot Cup grand final at 6.45pm next Tuesday, with the Laffey Shield on court one and the Camera House Trophy on court two at Llanberris Netball Centre. 

The Athlete’s Foot Cup will be played from 8pm.