Sport
Katandra is girding up the loins for a grand final tilt against flag favourite Deni Rovers
Renee Morris knows it’s going to take something special to beat Deniliquin Rovers.
Katandra’s A-grade coach has worded up her side on grand final expectations for Saturday’s Picola District Netball League decider.
There’s an imbalance to the equation that needs settling as Rovers delivered the Kats their only two losses of the season.
It’s evident Deniliquin is the favourite ― unbeaten in the home and away season and outstanding in finals.
And Morris knows her Kats will have to play the game of their lives to write history as rank outsiders.
“They’ve been the benchmark all year, so our intensity is going to have to be 100 per cent, our one percenters will really count and there’s no room for error during the day,” Morris said.
“If we can unsettle them and play to the best of our abilities I think we’re a good show of it.
“But the girls are up and about, it’s exciting.
“We’re very focused this week and enthusiastic about just getting there. We’ll just give our best and hopefully our best is good enough.”
Katandra earned passage to the grand final in an exhilarating manner.
The Kats ran over the line 32-30 winners against Strathmerton ― but it came at a heavy cost.
Goal shooter Kendal Judd went down clutching her knee and, as Morris revealed, is unavailable for the big dance.
It would be worst-case news for many sides; however, Morris said the blow had only galvanised the Kats’ resolve in the face of a mammoth task.
“Especially under the circumstances and having a teammate go down, I was super happy with the way the girls grouped together and pushed through that game and really lifted each other,” she said.
“I think that even gives us a bit of inspiration going into this week too. You’re playing for yourselves and each other and playing for the ones who miss out.
“It just adds a little bit more inspiration and focus and what it means to be there.”
On the other hand, Deni Rovers breezed their way through to the grand final.
Carrisa Bulmer’s charges served Rennie an eight-goal beating in their qualifying match and arrive on Saturday off the back of a 36-19 thumping of Katunga in the preliminary final.
The Rovers also rattled Katandra by six goals in the last round of the home and away season.
Morris called upon a few of her shining lights to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime performance after displaying true finals form during the past month.
“Bec Osmond back in defence, she just stands tall in these sort of situations,” she said.
“Bec’s probably my standout and in the first week it was Bree Dudgeon.
“I won’t take it away from any of our team members, the whole lot of them have been standing up.”