THE premiership was tightly contested across all netball grades in the grand finals at Alan Garden Netball Centre on Saturday.
In A reserve, Woorinen and Swan Hill went head-to-head in a fight to the end.
Tigers goal shooter Annie Steicke and Swan Lauren Monahan were kept busy in the first quarter, with both teams matching each other in the goals. When they returned to the court, at the start of the second just one point was the difference.
Neither team were able to gain a commanding lead during the game, with the score 14-16 Swan Hill’s way at half-time.
Throughout the game, Tigers’ centre Lisa Hamlyn displayed excellent form, confidently covering the court, while Swans goal keeper Courtney McClelland maintained the fight to keep the Tigers score as low as possible.
But at the close of the fourth, it was Woorinen that came out on top, with a final score of 32-28.
Tigers A reserve coach Laura Crow said after losing the premiership last season, the team “were on a mission”.
She said in the lead up they had been keen to keep up the pressure in the four quarters and stick to their game plan.
“The girls have gone through this season undefeated, but coming into finals it is a different game, I’m just so proud of them,” she said.
Meanwhile, it was Tyntynder that took away the flag for the first time since 1994 in B grade, a positive end to a strong season for the team.
Scores were kept low in the opener, with Lake Boga finding the ring just three times to the Dogs’ six.
Bulldogs goal shooter Krystle Toomey showed good form in the goal circle, while teammate wing attack Shelley Clarke darted across the court gaining control of some tough intercepts.
At the close of the second, it was just three goals the difference.
The Dogs never released the lead, although the Magpies put their best foot forward in an attempt to make up the deficit.
Quick passes between Lake Boga’s centre third and the goal circle — with goal shooter Samantha Taverna and goal attack Zowie Carmichael in fine form throughout the game — revealed the Magpies’ refusal to concede the match.
But at the final whistle, Tyntynder emerged on top, 22-15.
Tyntynder B grade relieving coach Jenny Gilbert said the team had improved a lot under the leadership of coach Sharon Denham.
“Same [as the qualifying final] it was very tight… it was very tough they are good opposition,” Gilbert said.
