A strong finishing Deniliquin claimed the Murray Netball League 15-and-under title on Saturday, defeating a gallant Cobram at the Moama Recreation Reserve.
In the balance for much of the morning, the Rams came out on top in wet conditions to run out 21-14 grand final winners.
The final score was a reversal of Cobram’s 21-14 semi-final win two weeks ago and the match was well and truly in the balance early.
In the first quarter, Cobram showed plenty of character, with the Tigers bouncing back thanks to some sharp shooting from goalers Ava Ross-Soden and Brooke Noonan.
Turning a 3-0 deficit into a 7-4 quarter-time lead, the Tigers were full of confidence entering the second stanza, however a big Rams performance turned the game on its head.
An on target Deniliquin shot out of the blocks in the second quarter, holding Cobram to just one goal and scoring five of its own to lead 9-8 at the main break.
When the teams lined up after half-time things remained even, with a tight mid-court battle resulting in the Rams extending their lead to two goals at the final change.
Despite the rain’s continued impact on the proceedings the two sides battled through to put on a show for a large crowd.
In the balance with one quarter to play, both teams hoped a big final term could be the difference — and unfortunately for Cobram the Rams reached another level.
Deniliquin did what it needed to do to run out victors at the death, blitzing the Tigers in the final term to run out seven-goal victors.
Despite the loss, it was a successful season for Cobram on the courts.
Securing the minor premiership with just three losses, the Tigers did all they could in the decider, however on the day it was not meant to be.
Murray Netball League 15-and-under grand final
Deniliquin 21 d Cobram 14
Best-on-court: Ava Richards (Deni)