Eagles soar into A-grade premiership decider
MAIDEN Gully YCW Eagles has soared into the A-grade netball grand final in the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League.
The Eagles struck back from a 14-goal loss to Mitiamo in the second semi-final the previous Saturday to control most of last Saturday’s preliminary final clash with Calivil United at Holloway Air Riverside Oval in Newbridge.
A brilliant goalshooting combination of league best and fairest Tia Webb and runner-up Meg Patterson capitalised on the play of a mid-court led by Leisa Barry to mark a 56-42 win against the Demons.
Just as importantly for Maiden Gully YCW was the defensive work of Rachael Gray and Laura Butler.
Playing coach Christie Griffiths was rapt the team earned a chance at premiership glory.
The Eagles have not won an A-grade premiership since it beat Mitiamo in 2013.
There were some closely-fought and high-scoring matches on preliminary final day.
In B-grade, Maiden Gully YCW Eagles beat Newbridge, 45-40.
Bridgewater won the C-grade clash with Marong, 39-27.
In C-reserve, Marong marked a 20-goal win against Newbridge.
Calivil United won the 17-and-under match against Newbridge, 39-26.
Pyramid Hill worked hard to win the 15-and-under matches and 13-and-under matches.
In the 15-under match, Pyramid Hill beat Bears Lagoon Serpentine, 40-26.
It was a thrilling finish to the 13-and-under match as Pyramid Hill held on for a 26-25 result against Calivil United.
There will be six clubs represented across the seven grand finals.
Maiden Gully YCW will feature in five of them – B-grade, C-grade, C-reserve and 17-and-under.
Schedule for Saturday’s grand finals at Marist College Bendigo in Maiden Gully:
13-and-under at 10.30am: Marong v Pyramid Hill.
17-and-under at 10.30am: Maiden Gully YCW Eagles v Calivil United.
15-and-under at noon: Marong v Pyramid Hill.
C-grade at noon: Maiden Gully YCW Eagles v Bridgewater.
B-grade at 1.30pm: Bridgewater v Maiden Gully YCW Eagles.
C-reserve at 1.30pm: Maiden Gully YCW Eagles v Marong.
A-grade at 3pm: Mitiamo v Maiden Gully YCW Eagles.
Written by Nathan Dole.
