Shepparton proved it was queen of the court at Princess Park on Saturday, withstanding a spirited Shepparton Swans to emerge a 69-56 victor.
It was always going to be close ― Bears coach Tracey Brereton knew that ― but the way Shepparton finished brought a rise from the veteran mentor.
The visitors piled on 23 goals to Swans’ eight in the final quarter to flip the script on a two-goal deficit and run away with a fourth straight win in Goulburn Valley League.
“We know they were going to come out and have a crack against us,” Brereton said.
“They’ve got a great young group mixed with experienced players, so we knew it was going to be a tough game and it certainly was.
“I think the difference was we had composure with the ball towards the end and we started to convert our turnovers.
“I think as well, we needed to keep making changes to get the best combinations on court to do the job.”
Though she didn’t feature on court in City West Falcons’ recent grand final win Kim Borger was on fire as she slotted 51 goals for Shepparton.
Her attacking partners in Madelyn Gray and Ella Sidebottom played solid games alongside wing attack exponents Eliza Bicknell and Jacinta Todd, while Ashlee Cann locked down the other end in goal defence.
For Swans, Sophie Garner showed her promise thanks to a tireless game in tandem with Chelsea McDonald (40 goals) to keep the game tight until the end.
Brereton switched her focus to the final game of the regular season against Seymour, noting it’ll be a chance to reverse the 73-58 loss to the Lions as the side will be without key talents Sarah Szczykulski and Casey Adamson due to Australian Netball Championship duties.
“I think it’s a real opportunity to maybe overturn the result from last time to a win for us,” she said.
“We’ll see, we’ll have a go.”
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Composure: Shepparton Swans’ Sophie Garner. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 8
On the scan: Shepparton’s Eliza Bicknell. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 8
Creating chances: Shepparton Swans’ Shinea Sali. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 8
Fighting for space: Shepparton’s Caitlyn Tuohey and Shepparton Swans’ Tayla Clohesy. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 8
Experienced head: Shepparton’s Kimberly Borger. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 8
Aim and fire: Shepparton’s Ashlee Cann. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 8
Leading the line: Shepparton Swans’ Chelsea McDonald. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 8
Chest pass: Shepparton’s Ella Sidebottom. Photo by Rechelle ZammitMeanwhile, Echuca celebrated star Steph Vick’s 250th game in style with a big win over Rochester in round 17.
The Murray Bombers jumped out of the blocks with a 22-goal first quarter and didn’t look back, running away with a 38-goal win in the penultimate round of the home and away season.
It was a fitting result for the two-time Wellman medallist and four-time premiership player, who has crafted a successful career playing for Kyabram and Echuca.
Echuca coach Belinda Lees described Vick as a “role model” and said it was pleasing to notch a win for the occasion.
“It was a special day for Steph’s 250th,” Lees said.
“Lauren Jones was away, so Steph played defence, back to where it all started for her.
“It was nice to have a good win to celebrate Steph. She’s such an integral part of our team and the club and an incredible role model to all.”
Elsewhere, Euroa heads into the final round of the season on top after polishing off Kyabram 50-27.
Mia Sudomirski carried on her stunning vein of form under the ring with 35 goals during the win which keeps the Magpies ahead of Mooroopna on percentage.
The Cats didn’t stutter on the road against Mansfield to claim a 57-26 victory, while Shepparton United held firm at home to beat Benalla 47-28.
Finally, Tatura sent a shot across the bows with a resounding 63-34 performance over Seymour.
The loss moves the Lions down into third, four points astray of the competition leaders.