AFTER just scraping into the Mininera and District Netball Association top five, Wickliffe/Lake Bolac completed its dream run in the finals' series by winning the premiership over a highly fancied Lismore/Derrinallum.
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The Magpies went into the clash against the minor premiers as the firm underdog, but were hungry to keep their winning September run going and set off at a great pace to begin the grand final.
Amanda Clark started a little nervously, missing the first two attempts at goal, before scoring seven consecutive conversions.
The Magpies had a two goal lead at the first quarter break and continued playing strong solid netball during the second term, with some great shooting from the attacking end opening up a five goal lead at halftime.
The second half saw Wickliffe/Lake Bolac make a minor change to its line-up with Samantha Keilar coming on at wing attack.
Tayla Notting was dynamic through the midcourt causing numerous turnovers in defence and then providing drive into the attack.
Lismore/Derrinallum seemed to lack flow into the circle which restricted the opportunities of its goalies.
The Pies took a seven goal buffer into the last quarter and went on to take the premiership 37 goals to the Demons' 31.
The best player in the final was awarded to goalie Clark.
In B grade Glenthompson/Dunkeld took out the grand final by downing Woorndoo/Mortlake by two goals.
C grade saw the Ararat Eagles vying for a premiership three-peat as the side took on Woorndoo/Mortlake the definite favourites heading into the match.
This title proved to be accurate for the Tigers, but the result was a lot closer than predicted.
Woorndoo/Mortlake got off to a great start through some solid work from Robyn Kleeven, who shot five goals from six attemps for the quarter.
The Eagles certainly had plenty of chances early, but didn't seize their opportunities and went in three goals down at the first break.
Play was settled in the second quarter as both teams stuck with their original line-up.
Jordyn Leggett lifted her work rate for Ararat and became a focal player in the circle. Her conversion rate increased immensely in the second term, shooting six from seven attempts, however the score was 17 to 13 in favour of the Tigers at the main interval.
Woorndoo/Mortlake's defence tightened up in the third quarter restricting the scoring opportunities of Ararat, which managed only three goals for the third quarter.
The Tigers took a handy eight goal lead into the final change, but the Eagles came out fired up in what was to be their best quarter for the match.
Sarah Leggett was strong defensively and produced some timely intercepts, which saw the Tigers' attack become a little unsettled and undisciplined.
Through Jordyn Leggett, who scored seven goals for the quarter, Ararat was able to pull back the margin a little, but in the end Woorndoo/Mortlake went on to win 31 to 26.
The 17 and under grand final saw Tatyoon continue its good form, producing a great start against Penshurst.
With a very even balanced team, the Hawks played their style of netball, capitalising at every opportunity.
Penshurst certainly had plenty of scoring opportunities in the first quarter, but the attack was unable to convert.
The Hawks took a very handy four goal lead into the first quarter break, with Maggie Astbury influential in both the midcourt and circle as she continually contested the ball and found range early.
Tatyoon was able to push its lead out to seven at the halftime break, while players looked a little tired in the third quarter as scoring began to dry up.
The match-up between Penshurst's Rachael Mibus and Catherine Philips from the Hawks was entertaining, with both players hard at the contests Philips having the better of the duel.
Tatyoon's nine goal lead at the final break proved too big for the Bombers to overcome, despite the side saving its best quarter for the last.
Penshurst shot 10 goals for the term, however Tatyoon ran out comfortable eight goal winners, with Astbury receiving the best on court medal.
The 15 and under match between Tatyoon and Moyston/Willaura was one of the closest grand finals of the day, with the Hawks eventually winning by two goals 25 to 23.
Both teams started confidently, with the two attacking ends converting most times the ball went into the circle.
It was obvious from the start that the Pumas' Rachael Nailon-Williamson was going to be their focal player and she found range early.
Tatyoon's Ellie Dickins also started the game well recording four goals from four attempts, which helped Tatyoon edged to an early one goal lead at the first break.
Moyston/Willaura made some minor changes to its line up for the second quarter, with the game being played with the same intensity as the first.
The match-up between the two centres, Sarah Philips (Tatyoon) and Kiara Pitcher (Moyston/Willaura) was developing into an interesting contest, with both players being instrumental in their teams' drive forward.
Tatyoon maintained its one goal advantage as halftime approached.
Pumas' Caitlyn Cashman came on after an injury and had a great third quarter causing some timely and significant turnovers to force her team into attack and was well supported by Brooke Skubnik.
This saw Moyston/Willaura overtake Tatyoon during the third quarter, with some terrific team work allowing them to push out to a one goal lead at the final break.
The crowd was entertained with some great netball from these two teams in the last quarter, with the ball going up and down the court at a furious pace.
Some simple errors from Moyston/Willaura ended up proving costly, with Tatyoon able to grab the loose ball and capitalise. This saw the Hawks take out premiership honours, getting their nose in front by the final whistle.
Tatyoon's Alice Astbury was given the best player in the final award.
During the main break of the B Grade, president of the Mininera and District Netball Association, Anne-Maree Huglin recognised and acknowledged the contribution the late Ruth Brain had made to the MDNA.
Ruth was a past player, coach, umpire and MDNA president in 2004.
This ceremony was held at the same time as the Mininera and District Football League was recognising Ruth and together the crowd at both the football and netball stood in a minute's silence to reflect on the contribution she had made to both sports in the Mininera.
Results
A grade
Lismore Derrinallum 31 (S Burns L Mclennan) lost to Wickliffe Lake Bolac 39 (A Clark K Thom)
Best on court: Amanda Clark (Wickliffe Lake Bolac)
B grade
Glenthompson-Dunkeld 29 (J Parker J Beveridge) def Woorndoo-Mortlake 27 (K Mifsud J Church)
Best on court: Jessica Parker (Glenthompson Dunkeld)
C grade
Woorndoo-Mortlake 31 (R Kleeven G Couch) def Ararat 26 (J Leggett A Driscoll)
Best on court: Robyn Kleeven (Woorndoo Mortlake)
17 and unders
Tatyoon 30 (M Astbury C Phillips) def Penshurst 22 (L Rentsch R Mibus)
Best on court: Maggie Astbury (Tatyoon)
15 and unders
Tatyoon 25 (A Astbury S Phillips) lost to Moyston Willaura 23 (K Pitcher R Nailon-Williamson)
Best on court: Alice Astbury (Tatyoon)