It was a bright start and a promising finish, but Goulburn Valley League has fallen to rival Ovens and Murray League in the 17-and-under interleague netball clash at the weekend.
The top underage players from their respective leagues went toe-to-toe at Albury Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon, with the host O&M getting to hoist the victor’s trophy following a 15-goal win.
After a tight first quarter GV held a narrow lead, but dominant second and third terms from the home side had O&M storm ahead on its way to a 57-42 triumph.
O&M’s ability to attack space, create pressure and generate intercepts were the keys in the pivotal second and third terms, helping the side earn back-to-back interleague wins over GV.
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In the zone: Shepparton Swans' Harriet Gall. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 7
Brick wall: Shepparton United's Janaya Pettie. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 7
Dish it off: Shepparton's Mackenzie O'Dwyer. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 7
Quick pass: Shepparton United's Janaya Pettie. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 7
Tight defence: Shepparton Swans' Ella Morgan. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 6 of 7
Focused: Shepparton Swans' Harriet Gall. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 7 of 7
Safe hands: Mooroopna's Sienna Burke. Photo by Aydin PayneStill, it was a marked improvement from the visiting GV side, which improved astronomically on last year’s 62-31 defeat.
GV coach Latoya Wards said she was proud of her side’s efforts, especially in the opening and closing quarters.
“Our first and our fourth quarter were probably our strongest quarters, we had that little bit more drive in there,” Wards said.
“I had a lot of nervous girls coming in saying they lost by quite a bit last year, so for them to be winning that first quarter was a really good confidence boost for them.
“That last quarter, we just ran out of time. If we had a little bit more time, they started to see that spurt coming up.”
After a tight start, it was the GV that held a hard-earned 11-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter. But the second and third terms were where O&M showcased its class.
The black and gold outscored GV 16-10 and 17-8 over the two terms, leading 42-29 at the final change.
Wards said GV struggled to adjust to changes in those two quarters, with O&M able to capitalise on the opportunity.
“I made a few different changes and combinations. Having a squad of 11 I wanted to make sure each girl, especially at this age, had a chance to get on court,” Wards said.
“I think the change-up and having a few girls not warmed up enough to jump in there is what impacted us and adjusting to the new combinations.”
The host’s lead blew out to 20 goals at one stage in the last, but GV showed plenty of spirit to fight back and reduce the final margin to 15.
That fightback will hopefully give GV some momentum to build on as it now gets set to compete at the Association Championships next weekend.
“We did really well in our defensive work in the circle, as well as our goalers’ movement,” Wards said.
“Taking away from the game knowing that we can definitely move the ball down court really quickly, we just have to be able to do that consistently.
“We started working on things that I had asked to work on all game and it looked really exciting for seeing what we can take into next week.
“The earlier tournaments as well as this interleague match allow us to see competitive combinations rather than just working on them at training.
“We know what we need to work on now after this to take in. We have a few girls who weren’t here today that will play next week, so we are definitely looking forward to seeing what we can now produce in a tournament setting.”
The GV has been impressive in tournament play in 2023, winning the Championship Division at the Shepparton Netball Association Tournament in late April.
Earlier this month the purple and gold had another strong showing as it reached the Championship Division grand final again at the Echuca District Netball Association Tournament.
Wards said the team’s spirit and ability to bond had been a huge advantage in helping elevate its game.
“Being around each other, with that camaraderie you can take your netball to the next level,” she said.
“We have such a great bunch. We have two tournaments under our belts already and I think that camaraderie is what helps them lift to the next level.
“These girls are so talented, but when you can go out and play really good netball with some of your best friends, it really does step you up to the next level.”
Wards thanked everyone involved in making the interleague clash such a great day out.
“I just want to thank Jo Spencer, Jacqui Hudgson and all the coaching panel for helping us get there,” she said.
“This is my first time coaching interleague in the GV and it has been a great eye-opener. My assistant coach TeAna Wards, I would like to thank her and everyone that is behind the scenes that make these days happen.”