The weekend came with challenging weather conditions for netball, but the Wallan A Grade netballers pulled through like always, and will be expecting its first finals round this weekend.
The Magpies soaked in all the joy in a match against Kyneton, with a huge 19-49 win.
Coach Lucas Bennett-Hullin said the newcomers fought back in an overall great game.
“[Kyneton], they did do well, but we managed to steady ourselves a little bit, control the game all the way through the third quarter,” he said.
“We built a … lead, and then the last quarter, it was actually a bit of credit to Kyneton, we had a bit of fun in the last quarter, there were some positional changes … big props to Kyneton on their season.”
Exciting times ahead, Wallan will make its way to Romsey to compete against Riddell in the qualifying final this weekend – which will be a ‘big game’ in Bennett-Hullin’s eyes.
“[Riddell], they’ve a very strong team, we’ve managed to get over them twice this year, but they are a very strong team, and there’s going to be a lot of work on matchups, and that sort of thing during the week,” he said.
“This is finals, and pressure, and the game itself steps up to another level. It’s going to be a really good challenge for us to go there, and do all we have to do, and get the win.”
The Lancefield netballers are now out for the season, giving the competition one last shot in a match against Riddell, who secured a 29-37 win.
After a few hiccups with injuries, and players doubling up, Lancefield placed second last.
The Tigers had an exceptional shooting game overall in the season, with Lancefield’s Darcee Ellard and Tarnee Hammond showing impressive skills.
Coach Ciara Stewart said the side did ‘exceptional’ this season, with much more to come.
“I think we lost last year by 925 goals over the whole season, and we did a count, and I think we’re on 142 this year, so we’ve completely sliced that right down,” she said.
“I think the competition has benefited from what Lancefield have done this year.
“We’re not the team that’s just a walkover anymore, and then next year, with a bit more recruitment, I think look out because we’re going to be a bit stronger, just a little bit more to go – our girls are going to be amazing.”
The Redbacks also did not make the cut for final rounds, and ended with a loss against Macedon at the weekend, 67-39.
The Romsey netballers made the most of the season, resulting in sixth place on the ladder above Kyneton, with five wins and eight losses.
