Shepparton is the latest side to send shockwaves through the Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball competition, producing a stunning 41-39 upset win over Euroa at Deakin Reserve on Saturday.
The win sees the Bears sneak back into the top six, moving a game clear of the Shepparton Swans, who only just went down to Echuca.
Euroa would edge out the first two quarters on Saturday, but a resurgent Bears fightback in the second half stunned the high-flying Magpies, Shepparton clinching the four points through a thrilling 11-7 final term.
Shepparton coach Tracey Brereton said her side had to do it the hard way, losing two girls through injury in the opening stages of the game.
“It was a great win, and under extraordinary circumstances too,” she said.
“We lost two players during the game in our shooter Tanya Holland and Caitlyn Tuohey pretty early on.
“Mackenzie O’Dwyer came up from the 17s, she’s in the state school girls squad and playing really well down there.
“After the second injury we’ve had to bring on another young kid in Ruby Higgins who’s only played three quarters of senior netball.”
With a raft of changes to her line-up early doors, Brereton said her young guns performed superbly, led by the Bears’ more experienced campaigners in Jacinta Todd and Ella Sidebottom, who celebrated her 100th game for the club on Saturday.
“It was an extraordinary performance,” Brereton said.
“We’ve been quite inconsistent in recent weeks so it was good to get it done and hold our nerve for a great win.
“It was Ella Sidebottom’s 100th club game, so there was an extra little incentive there.
“She’s been at the club since 2017, she’s a really well-liked kid around the club and this year is the first year she’s been promoted into the leadership group.
“She’s growing into her leadership role which is great to see.”
Sidebottom was best-on-court from her usual position in goal attack, combining nicely with O’Dwyer and Higgins, who were also named among the Bears’ best in their call-up to the A-grade side.
Meanwhile, Euroa slips to fifth after its third loss of the season.
The Magpies trio of Tylah Marchbank, Kellie Davidson and Eliza Hoare all fought hard for their side to be named among the best on Saturday.