MNA: Independents down Cosmos by eight points in last round before finals

Independents defeated top of the ladder Cosmos in the final round of the Manjimup netball season prior to finals, proving themselves as real grand final contenders. It was neck and neck in the first half of the match, making for a fantastic game to watch. Despite being down a player, Cosmos managed to keep the margin low, finishing the first quarter only two goals behind Independents. Independents played a clean game of netball, boosted by the additional freedom in the midcourt where Cosmos were short a player. By half-time, Independents were three goals in front (22-19). Independents further refined their play in the third quarter, stretching the margin to nine goals. After a pep talk at third-quarter time, Cosmos renewed their efforts, managing to bring the margin back down to five goals before running out of energy in the last five minutes of the game. Unfortunately, Independents could not be slowed, taking the win in the end (47-39). Cosmos will get an opportunity to redeem themselves next Monday night in the first round of finals when they play second on the ladder, Independents. Also in pool 2, Globetrotters defeated Tigers by 18 points. Globetrotters will play Tigers in the elimination final next Monday night. In pool 1, Magic defeated SWE (57-51), while Magpies suffered only their second loss of the season against bottom of the ladder Vixens (45-41). Magpies and Magic will battle it out in the first semifinal next Monday night, fighting for a spot in the grand final, while SWE will take on Vixens in the elimination final.