DESPITE neither Tooleybuc-Manangatang nor Tyntynder making the finals this year, there was a grand-final atmosphere at their game on Saturday, which ended in a 48-all draw.
In hot conditions at Manangatang, both sides took the court vying to get one last win on the board before the end of the season.
There wasn’t much separating the two sides in the first quarter, with the Dogs leading by only a goal at the first break. But a huge second-quarter effort gave the Saints a three-goal lead by half-time.
With the heat starting to take its toll, the Saints suffered a bit of a slump in the third quarter. By bringing on fresh legs, the Dogs were able to reduce their deficit to just one goal.
The pressure in the last quarter was evident as spectators lined the sides of the court cheering on their respective teams. Every ball thrown out stopped the clock, and a few cautions were given to players who wanted to make sure they left everything out on the court.
The battle between Saints wing defender Katelyn Hazlett and Dogs wing attack Demi Wall was a key match-up in the second half. Young Dogs defender Audrey Domaille also played a crucial role for her side, working hard in the Saints’ ring to try and slow down shooter Summer Blachford.
Saints coach Melanie Wait said while the game went down to the wire, it was a really positive end to the season.
“It was a great way to finish the year,” she said.
“The improvement of the group as a whole has been significant, and I am very proud of them.”
Tyntynder finished the season in seventh place, while Tooleybuc-Manangatang ended in 10th place.
FINAL WHISTLE
Tooleybuc-Manangatang 48
Tyntynder 48
