The sports writers could not have written a better script for Tallygaroopna A-grade champion Bree Giles on Saturday.
Celebrating game 300 in front of a home crowd, Giles led from the front as the Redlegs stormed past Dookie United to claim a ruthless 52-25 win in the final round of the Kyabram District League season.
The eye-catching triumph means Tally leapfrog United, snatch the double chance and secure the week off in the first weekend of finals.
Tallygaroopna playing coach Fiona Down said it was a memorable day for the club as it celebrated a club stalwart in style.
“Absolutely, she is such a dedicated, loyal and passionate club person,” Down said.
“To get the win and celebrate her milestone in that fashion, I hope she enjoyed the day being able to play at home, surrounded by family and friends ... she has done wonders for every team she has played in and it was great to celebrate her contribution to the club.
“(Bree’s 300th) was another little motivator in there for us, so to produce a game like that for someone who is having their 300th was really special.”
Tallygaroopna began the top three clash in sublime fashion and its defensive pressure caused plenty of headaches for the visitors.
Giles and her partner in crime, Rebecca Brett, led the way in the defensive end of the court and suffocated Dookie’s attacking runs.
Georgia Foster provided strong support through wing defence as United could only manage eight goals in a high-pressure first half.
“It was a really solid performance from our girls, who started really strong,” Down said.
“That sort of set us right up really, we had a 17-goal-to-four first quarter, which put us in really good position ... to hold Dookie to eight goals in a half is just outstanding. They were missing Gemma (Toy) and her attacking drive, but our defensive pressure across the court was really high.
“(As you said) the defenders, to hold them to eight goals, they just caused so much pressure and forced Dookie into passes and errors that they wouldn’t have usually done.”
The rousing victory hands Down and her outfit a week’s rest before a crucial semi-final against rival Shepparton East in a replay of last year’s preliminary final.
Down conceded that securing the double chance was never front of mind for her squad ahead of the round 16 encounter.
“We always set aims and goals (before games), but our main aim was to produce a game that we were happy with and just stepping out on court and playing our game,” she said.
“We knew second spot was on the line, but it wasn’t our focus, we knew we would be in finals regardless, as long as we produced a game we were happy with ― that was our aim.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to finish second, we just didn’t want that pressure or mentality that we had to finish second.
“It can be challenging to have a week off, it’s nice to have momentum, now it’s important for us to focus on keeping that momentum over the next week.
Around the courts, Stanhope missed out on securing a finals berth despite a 47-27 win over Lancaster, while Violet Town held on to sixth spot with a 30-goal rout of Rushworth.
Shepparton East finished the season unbeaten with a comfortable 52-25 win and Nagambie shut the door on Avenel featuring in finals with a 64-42 win.
Lastly in the Sunday fixtures, Longwood was at home to Undera and Murchison-Toolamba faced Girgarre.