Staying calm amid the pressure of a grand final is often what separates teams, and Tungamah’s A-grade outfit showed on Saturday it has got ice in its veins, overcoming flag favourite Strathmerton in a nail-biting 34-32 triumph at Katunga.
The two Picola District league powerhouses were almost destined to lock horns in the big dance after both sides enjoyed near-perfect campaigns.
Strathmerton, unbeaten since round one, secured the minor premiership and cruised all the way to the decider on the back of some superb performances from its experienced core.
Tungamah blitzed its first full season return to the league, chalking up 13 wins and just three defeats throughout the year.
And the Bears showed they had what it took when it mattered most, rising to the occasion in a grand final contest that featured no shortage of thrilling moments.
An A-grade win, and a win for Tungamah’s C-grade on the court adjacent only minutes earlier on Saturday, ensured the Bears completed a sweep of four senior netball grand final victories in A, B, C-grade and C-reserve competitions.
“It’s a massive day for the club. I’m so happy from a netball perspective — you can’t do much more than that,” A-grade coach Jayanna Sharp said after the game.
“I’m so proud of the club and where we’re at. I’m absolutely pumped with the win.”
Carrying an underdog tag into the decider, Sharp said her side never doubted itself throughout the year and it’s that belief that held it in good stead at crucial stages of the game on Saturday.
“Initially we were probably considered underdogs,” Sharp said.
“We knew we were capable, we knew ourselves we were good enough for it, and today showed that we are good enough.
“I don’t think any point in time throughout the game or throughout the finals series we’ve had that doubt.”
With Bears shooter Sophie Harmer and co taking care of business in the attacking ring, Tungamah also had its defensive duo of Sharp and Chloe Elliott to thank for consistent defensive pressure.
Elliott’s performance saw her take home the league’s A-grade MVP medal for her efforts in the Bears’ defensive ring.
For coach Olivia Osborne and Strathmerton, the grand final loss was their first defeat since way back in round one.
But a hugely impressive first year in the coaching role has given Osborne plenty to look forward to when her side no doubt comes back in a big way next year.
“Tungamah just played really, really well. We had our opportunities but just couldn’t get the job done today,” Osborne said.
“There’s a lot to learn and a lot to take away — it’s my first year coaching, so to make a granny is great. That’s credit to my team, they’re a really great bunch of girls.
“It’s going to hurt a little bit for a few days, but take no credit away from Tungamah, they deserved the win today.”
Vigorous cheers from the Tungamah supporting crowd were heard at the sound of the full-time siren at Katunga on Saturday, and Sharp touched on what the win meant for her side and the club as a whole.
“We had our lapses but we adapted really well today,” Sharp said.
“I’m just so proud of the club. We had three or four girls that have never played finals and never played into a grand final.
“To get that today is amazing for them.”
The game
Tungamah 34 d Strathmerton 32