Diamond Creek has written itself into the history books by winning consecutive Section 1 premierships last Friday night.
Despite having two key players out in Bron Taylor and Bonnie Smith, and also being down a couple of goals at three-quarter time, the Creek dug deep to run over the valiant Macleod team.
The crowd was treated to a brilliant spectacle as the lead changes in the game continued to see-saw. Macleod got off to a good early lead with great mid-court work by Natalie Wilson and solid shooting by Hailey Grimes.
But you can never discount a champion team, which is exactly what Diamond Creek is. Brooke George led the charge and was assisted by her sister and team mate, Stacey Gannon, who goaled magnificent and was later rewarded with the best player on court.
It would have been fitting had the teams finished level given the similar amount of defensive pressure, pace and court awareness both sides played with. Alas, Diamond Creek managed to peg back the lead with five minutes on the clock to go on and win the game.
Macleod will be disappointed with the result, but every player can hold their heads high as they played terrific, competitive netball. These two teams are model ambassadors for the NFL Section 1 netball competition.
Whilst the game had plenty of heat in it, it was great to see all the players come together after the game and embrace in a circle. It was a great display of professionalism and friendship.
Section 1 final score: Diamond Creek Red (37) def Macleod A (32)
In the Section 2 Grand Final, North Heidelberg just beat Diamond Creek Blue by one goal.
The Creekers had all the early dominance but just came undone when shooting in the ring. It was by far the greatest letdown as they shot a low total of 28 goals from the 49 shots that were put up throughout the duration of the night.
Credit where credit is due, the North Heidelberg team was able to rebound from these missed goal opportunities and make its own luck.
Both teams were evenly matched for pace and polish around the court, the biggest issue for Creek was finding the net.
Much of the ball was played in each respective team’s goal third. The applied defensive pressure from both teams was outstanding to watch. So much so, that Diamond Creek’s Ellouise Dack was named best on court based on her efforts as goal keeper. Dack and her counterpart Jacinta Benson made some plucky moves and great intercepts.
However they could not save them all. Eventually North Heidelberg proved to be the more accurate side on the night and was able to have the last say. Congratulations to both sides. The game was a tribute to the amazing skill and sporting prowess in the Section 2 competition.
Section 2 final score: North Heidelberg (29) def Diamond Creek Blue (28)
Mernda Red won its club the Section 3 title by defeating South Morang by five goals.
In a passionate game that saw a crowd overflowing the seats and court sidelines, Mernda and South Morang didn’t disappoint the supporters with a fantastic competitive match.
Mernda’s midcourt proved to be the key to their success, with much of the play dominated by the centre and the wing attack. The two worked well together, to link up and find each other on either side of the ring when feeding the ball into the goalers.
Lauren O’Hehir for South Morang was outstanding in giving her all to get her team over the line. She seemed not only to be a crowd favourite with the South Morang fans, but also was named best on court for her team contributions.
Mernda was elated to hear the final whistle to end the game and guarantee victory. Fist pumps and hugs from the supporters were a plenty. Well done to Mernda and bad luck to South Morang.
Section 3 final score: Mernda Red (26) def South Morang B (21)
Lakeside came out with all guns blazing in the Section 4 grand final, which saw it claim a 10-goal win over St Mary’s B.
The Lakeside team were unforgiving in the contests, throwing themselves at the ball and not giving an inch. Their goalers and defence stood tall, playing both attacking and defensive roles.
St Mary’s B goaler Nicole Watt did her best in the ring by providing solid leads and some handy rebounds to steady her team mates. Despite the scoreline, her team showed great composure to continue to fight on and keep their heads up high.
Lakeside was just too good in the end. Jane Scheetz was named best on court and it was fitting that her and her Lakeside team mates should hold up the cup at the end of the game.
Section 4 final score: Lakeside (28) def St Mary’s B (18)
In Section 5, Hurstbridge flew out of the blocks to win a solid 36 to 13 contest.
Although the game was played in a competitive nature, the Heidelberg Hawkettes were just out of their league in terms of court vision and run and carry.
Hurstbridge always looked the better team on the night. They sported a more team balanced outfit and played like they had known each other since primary school.
The midcourt and goaling by Hurstbridge was something to be admired. Amy Fisher was the cream of the crop, showcasing her brilliant skills for Hurstbridge.
It was all a bit too much for the Hawkettes, who in the last quarter put a mighty effort and played with great tenacity and heart. They should be proud of their efforts and look forward to their 2013 season.
A round of applause to the Hurstbridge side. Too good on the night and have been the best team in the section for the whole season. They deserve the silverware.
Section 5 final score: Hurstbridge (36) def Heidelberg Hawkettes (13)
