KDNL | Gallery | Nagambie edged out in thrilling contest, Avenel ends season on a high

By Daniel Webb

Aug 16, 2022

Eyes up: Nagambie’s Rylee Alderton prepares to shoot. Photo by Megan Fisher

Kyabram District Netball League supporters were treated to a preview of finals action at the weekend, with Nagambie making an away trip to face Shepparton East on Saturday.

While the Eagles kept their undefeated streak going with a 43-39 win, the close contest provided plenty of action on the court.

Shoulder to shoulder: Shepparton East’s Sarah Maskell and Nagambie’s Sharni Lloyd. Photo by Megan Fisher

Entering the game, the home side sat just four points ahead of Nagambie in first position, with the Lakers in second, and after four quarters of pulsating netball, the Shepparton side was simply too strong.

Despite the loss, Nagambie will now have a week off before a qualifying final against Tallygaroopna awaits.

Passing time: Nagambie’s Katie Sullivan prepares to release the ball. Photo by Megan Fisher

It was a successful weekend for Avenel, with the Swans defeating Violet Town by eight goals at home.

The 56-48 result was a positive end to the season for the 10th-placed Swans, with the Towners set to play finals netball.

Under pressure: Nagambie’s Katie Sullivan looks for a teammate. Photo by Megan Fisher

Elsewhere on Saturday, Murchison-Toolamba secured a 54-33 win over Merrigum to secure a finals position.

Murchison-Toolamba coach Sharne Milne told the Shepparton News the side’s race for finals had been a fantastic reward for effort.

Hands up: Nagambie’s Alicia White calls for the ball. Photo by Megan Fisher

“Something just clicked for us,” Milne said.

“I think a few weeks ago, some of the girls assumed that we couldn’t play finals.

Getting set: Nagambie’s Ebony Peters takes a breath. Photo by Megan Fisher

“Then someone mentioned if we win A, B and C, that we could do it, and the girls just found the fight they needed to play finals netball.”

Milne said a focus on fitness since the start of the season, and a newfound belief, had helped them finish off strong.

Going for goal: Nagambie’s Amy Reid shoots. Photo by Megan Fisher

“We’ve worked really hard on our fitness since January — we’ve always gotten over the line and we know we can meet everyone in fitness and intensity,” she said.

“We’ve just been working hard and going into every game with a good vibe and it’s been working.”

Teammate: Nagambie’s Maddison Biggs releases the ball. Photo by Megan Fisher

Meanwhile, Dookie United was too strong for Lancaster, Rushworth downed Undera, Tallygaroopna was a class above Stanhope and Gigarre defeated Longwood.