BY NATHAN DOLE
GISBORNE celebrated back-to-back A-grade netball premierships for the first time since it joined the league in Saturday’s grand finale to the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.
It was a two-goal thriller between Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat on the court in Queen Elizabeth Oval.
The chances of the Tarrryn Rymer-coached Gisborne being premier looked forlorn in the third quarter as Kangaroo Flat bounced away to a nine-goal lead.
The Bulldogs lifted their attacking intent, defended strongly and young goaler Torie Skrijel was superb in and around the circle on her way to claiming the best on court award.
A powerful attack of Skrijel and Claudia Mawson made the most of their chances as Gisborne charged to a memorable 43-41 victory.
Rymer said Kangaroo Flat’s pressure was outstanding.
There were plenty of stand-outs for Gisborne, including Maddy Stewart who was courtside for last September’s grand final after spending most of last year overseas.
Stewart added a second A-grade premiership medal to the two Betty Thompson medals she has earned as a league fairest and best player.
A key to Gisborne’s charge to cut the deficit and then take the lead was Emerson Lakey in mid-court.
The match featured many of the region’s best mid-courters as Kangaroo Flat was led by centre and dual Betty Thompson medallist Chelsea Sartori, and talented wing defence Milly Wicks.
Kangaroo Flat coach Jayden Cowling said the team would rue the final quarter fade-out.
“I was really proud of our efforts, but you can’t just play three quarters of netball.”
Cowling said many passages of play in the grand final were the best the Roos had put together all season.
Gisborne’s premiership-winning team:
Rylee Connell, Zoe Davies, Kirby Elliott, Charlee Kemp, Emerson Lakey, Claudia Mawson, Tiana Newman, Torie Skrijel, Maddy Stewart, Demi Young.
Coach: Tarryn Rymer.
A huge day of netball for Gisborne’s players and fans involved featuring in four of five matches.
The Bulldogs left the QEO with a two-two tally.
In A-reserve, a goal on the last shot of the day clinched a 40-39 victory for Strathfieldsaye against Gisborne.
Best on court honours went to Strathfieldsaye’s Victoria Carroll.
The premiership capped a great season by goaler Lucy Spalding who earned the Jenni Holborn Medal as the competition’s fairest and best player.
It was a remarkable effort by the Kirsten Pollock-coached Storm which surged back from an 11-goal loss to Sandhurst in the qualifying final to win the first semi-final against Maryborough by 10 goals.
Storm then beat Sandhurst by three goals in the preliminary final.
Strathfieldsaye’s premiership-winning team:
Victoria Carroll, Siarne Cass, Steph Freemantle, Ella Henry, Tahlee O’Keefe, Layla O’Shea, Lainey Pollard, Amaya Schmidt, Lucy Spalding, Gabbi Turner, Morgan Whatley.
Coach: Kirsten Pollock.
It was a one-goal thriller in B-grade as Gisborne took on Sandhurst.
Hannah Weir earned best on court honours in a 46-45 victory for the red, white and blue.
The Polly Salter-coached Gisborne was beaten in the second semi-final showdown with Sandhurst by four goals.
In the match which matters most it was the Bulldogs who fought on for a memorable victory.
Gisborne’s premiership-winning team:
Georgia Fearn, Shelley Farrugia, Olivia Fenn, Emma Joyce, Emily McDonald, Georgia Murray, Bridget Salter, Reese Sutton, Dasha Taylor, Hannah Weier.
Coach: Polly Salter.
It was a Sandhurst and Gisborne showdown for the B-reserve title.
After an unbeaten run to the finals, Sandhurst was beaten in the second semi-final clash with Gisborne by five goals.
On Saturday it was the Rose Gallagher-coached Dragons which controlled a lot of the play to score a 39-33 victory.
Best on court honours went to Claire McGee.
Sandhurst’s premiership-winning team:
Jess Baird, Bec Dine, Lucia Dyer, Briona Giddings, Sophie Giles, Kelsey Hamilton, Chloe Hann, Matilda Lockyer, Ava Perez, Ruby Walsh.
Coach: Rose Gallagher.
Grand final day began with the 17-and-under match between Sandhurst and Golden Square.
The previous two meetings between the teams ended in a two-goal win for Golden Square in round 15, and a 21-goal victory for the Dragons in the second semi-final.
On grand final day it was the Carol Cathcart-coached Sandhurst which played brilliant netball to record a 62-32 victory.
Best on court honours to Sandhurst’s Harriet Whiteacre.
Sandhurst’s premiership-winning team:
Tshari Brown, Charlie Coghill, Tahli Gilchrist, Lila Kelly, Claire McGee, Diana Napoleon, Meg Pearce, Neve Pinner, Jaida Raco, Milla Sherriff, Harriett Whiteacre.
Coach: Carol Cathcart.