GVL | Gallery | Mooroopna wins close contest, Tigers share points in dramatic final round

By Daniel Webb

Aug 28, 2022

High five: Mooroopna and Dayna Williams picked up a close win on Saturday. Photo by Aydin Payne

The final round of Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball delivered plenty of entertainment, with the make up of the ladder now locked in.

A number of close contests across the courts provided a preview of what finals action could offer and at Mooroopna supporters were treated to a thrilling end to end contest.

Passing time: Echuca’s Madeline O'Niall looks to release the ball. Photo by Aydin Payne

Missing out on the minor premiership by 1.83 per cent, the Cats did things the hard way at home, coming from behind to defeat Echuca 44 to 39.

Down by four goals at quarter-time, a big second term to the Murray Bombers put them ahead at the main break, before the tables turned in the third.

Shoulder to shoulder: Mooroopna's Sarah Bohn battles with her opponent. Photo by Aydin Payne

After half-time it was Mooroopna that was on top, running away with an important pre-finals victory.

Maddison Wong, Asha Gray and Ella Ogier stood out for the home side, with Belinda Lees, Bridget Byrne and Jacquelyn James playing well for the Murray Bombers.

Finals bound: Echuca and coach Steph Vick finished in the top four despite the loss. Photo by Aydin Payne

While the top four clash was a nail-biter, the game between Rochester and Shepparton was even more exciting.

Coming off a one goal loss to Shepparton Swans, the Tigers welcomed the Bears with plenty of hope they could get across the line.

Yet, instead of a victory, supporters were treated to a thrilling 52-all draw.

Early on in the contest it was the Bears who were on top, holding a seven-goal lead at quarter-time, before an even second term and an impressive Rochester third stanza had the scores sit a goal apart.

In the last quarter the teams shot goal for goal, with neither side able to get ahead and the points shared as the game drew to a close.

Under pressure: Echuca’s Lily Devlin looks to make a play. Photo by Aydin Payne

Rochester coach Rachel Whipp said her side showed great determination to fight back.

“The game could have kept slipping away, but we dug in deep and fought back to be in the game,” Whipp said.

“The improvement that our girls have shown in the second half of the year has been fantastic.

“At the end we had five girls that were 19 and under on the court, so the future is looking very good for Rochy in terms of the youth coming through getting A-grade experience.”

With Rochester’s season now at an end, Whipp said she was proud of her side and how far it had come this year.

On Saturday it was Teal Hocking who was named Rochester’s best, with Annie Hughes also standing out stepping up from B-grade and Ella and Charlee Roulston performing well.

For Sheppartonm Caitlin Hill played well, while Tanner Edwards and Ashlee Cann put in solid shifts.

On the move: Echuca’s Greta Pearson calls for the ball. Photo by Aydin Payne

Elsewhere at the weekend Shepparton Swans downed Kyabram by nine goals, Euroa picked up an impressive win over Benalla and Mansfield suffered defeat away to Tatura.