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Corbetts corner: Round 10, Contax vs Matrics

Published Wed 22 Jan 2025

Match of the Day Monday January 20th Contax versus Matrics
 
With much hanging on the outcome of this match, traditional rivals will be looking to put together four quarters of consistent slick netball that can withstand the defensive pressure that these contests typically bring. The first quarter commenced as expected with driving attack and measured defence as teams settled into the match. Almost immediately aerial defensive dynamo for Contax Nate Wood stamped his impact in the circle with flying interceptions and taps. Contax struggled to find their goalies as both Aidan Kelly and Aaron Farquharson used the hold position with no effective movement and were under constant pressure by Steve Braun and tall Liam Cornish, Matrics circle defenders. 
Matrics wing attack Tom Cross was his usual creative cog in wing attack driving onto their goal circle always ready to reoffer. As teams settled it was goal for goal until Caleb Barnden, Contax goal defender suffered a facial injury. He was lying on the court for some time before getting back to his feet and had to go to the bench because of a bleeding nose. Jaymz Farinola moved to cover Barnden as the game recommenced albeit somewhat shakily! 
Lack of movement by Contax goalers saw Matrics seize the momentum and end the quarter with a five goal lead. 
Matrics 13. Contax 8. 
 
The second quarter saw Matrics respond to Matt Harrison’s request for more defensive pressure causing Contax error and hesitation. Ben Slade at wing defence and Steve Braun at goal defense were combining well to restrict Contax’s passage to the goal circle. Cross in combination with goal attack William Sampson began working with creative unison in attack well supported by Will O’Callaghan at centre. 
Contax coach Amy Willis moved Matt Mojares to goal attack and this paid immediate dividends. His running open style of attack kept the Matrics defenders heads spinning and also brought goal shooter Aidan Kelly into the game, despite the strong defensive pressure of Slade on the circle edge. The last few minutes of the quarter saw Contax moving the ball with a purpose and a flurry of goals resulted in them winning the quarter by one. 
Half time scores: Matrics 26. Contax 22. 
 
Caleb Barnden returned to the game after a particularly bloody nose to intensify Contax’s defense. Tom Cross continued to be a creative general in attack well supported by young Will O’Callaghan at centre. It went goal for goal as Matt Mojares and Jaymz Farinola created attacking options for Contax. Despite the pressure applied by Wood and Barnden, Alec Davis at goal shooter remained cool, focussed and accurate. Coach Willis moved Barnden to centre and Contax rallied as he set up Kelly to score a run of goals to end the quarter 9 goals to Matrics 10. 
3rd quarter scores: Matrics 36. Contax 31. 
 
Barnden was back at goal defence to start the final quarter in an attempt to quell the impact of shooter Alec Davis. Ben Slade was most effective in keeping Contax’s attackers having to work extra hard to find space. 
In what seemed a rush of activity, Contax started to hit their straps with the timing of their leads and use of court space to open up their attack and set up Aidan Kelly to score. In turn Nate Wood pulled in several spectacular interceptions that fired up his team and saw Contax challenge Matrics. In the frantic final minutes it was nip and tuck despite a few decisions that stifled Contax scoring run! 
Matrics were lucky to hold off the challenge despite Contax winning the final quarter by 3 goals, and the tight final tussle certainly drew a crowd as other matches finished! 
Final scores: Matrics 45. Contax 43. 
 
Player of note is Matrics defensive star Ben Slade. 
Seven years ago Ben met his partner and she introduced him to mixed netball and from then on Ben was hooked. A very familiar story! Formerly a basketballer Ben played in the Southern Dragons competition from 2020. He was selected in the State Open Men’s in 2022 when Adelaide hosted the National Championships. 2023 again saw him represent SA in the Open Division as captain for the championships in Perth. Last year he captained the Open mixed team in the Brisbane nationals where he was rewarded for a standout tournament with selection in the All Star team at Goal Defence. 
This year, Ben again leads the Open Mixed team for the Nationals in Melbourne. In such a relatively short time Ben has established himself as a key defender across the positions of wing and goal defense. 
A 28-year-old physiotherapist, Ben’s outlook on the game of netball is most enlightening. He much values the sport as for him it rightly represents the essence of a true team sport, and by association brings a rich community of friendship and support. An intelligent and articulate young man, Ben relishes the type of tussle that underpinned tonight’s contest between these traditional rival teams……A tight, intense struggle, highlighted by dogged defence. Well played Ben Slade!