Under 17s
Rennie 47 def Tungamah 35.
In a ‘cross-town’ showdown, the Rennie Hoppers edged out Tungamah in the Picola District Netball League 17-and-under netball final in a performance that left spectators breathless and the scoreboard rocking.
The Hoppers entered the match with a perfect season on the line, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Though the weight of an undefeated record hung heavy, Rennie handled the moment with grace and precision, securing a 47-35 victory that left little doubt about their superiority.
Despite a valiant effort from the Bears’ sharpshooters, who demonstrated why they deserved their place in the final, Rennie remained unfazed.
The Hoppers made their intentions clear from the outset, jumping to a 12-10 lead with early dominance.
Tungamah’s Victoria Laffan and Jasmine Walker were pushing the buttons in attack, continuing with audacious attempts while Rennie remained more ruthless with its gains.
In the third quarter, both sides fought for every scrap. It was hungry netball at its finest.
However, the fourth quarter was when the shots truly dropped for Rennie, with lovely, lobbed feeds clunked and dispatched by Coghill and co in the offensive arc.
Under 15s
Deniliquin Rovers 31 def Tungamah 28.
Deni Rovers was first in, best-dressed to claim the 15-and-under Picola District Netball League premiership by three goals on Saturday.
The dew had barely evaporated on the football field at Rennie Recreation Reserve some 50 metres away, but the Rovers were soaking up the spoils.
Tungamah was at the coalface all game but couldn’t stoke enough fire to win the match, falling 31-28 following the Rovers’ red-hot showing.
A jubilant Nerissa Wills beamed at the final hooter, Deni’s mentor elated to see her girls reap the rewards of an excellent season.
Fans were still spilling through the gates when the initial whistle blew for gameon, but despite the final outcome, Tungamah looked preened and prepared to the umpteenth degree.
The Bears continued to sail along nicely and boasted a 7-5 advantage by quarter time.
While the Rovers struggled to hit their mark, the rampant Bears were busy across the court from post to post.
Despite a valiant effort from the Bears, Deniliquin’s unyielding defence and deadeye dominance proved too much.