Evenly matched competition
Seymour’s A-grade is one step closer to the double chance, shifting into outright second position following a nail-biting two-goal victory over Shepparton Swans.
Despite the Swans being out of finals contention, they produced a superb effort against the reigning premiers and very nearly fell across the line against a team with far more to play for.
Goal for goal is a common expression in netball but this clash was the true epitome of this concept, with the Lions edging out their opposition by one goal in the first and third terms, while the other two were dead even.
The thrilling win extended Seymour’s streak to 12 in a row, having not tasted defeat since coming up against Echuca with an under-strength side in round five.
Star defenders Sarah Szczykulski and Elle McDonald had their work cut out for them in defence, while Sarah Douglas controlled the mid court with a consistent performance.
Milly Brock was typically prolific with 27 goals but it was Alice O’Sullivan who was particularly impressive, showing great nous in attack to shoot six of her own.
Defeating Shepparton this week would secure Seymour a top two finish but a loss could open the door for Euroa (who boast a superior percentage) to snatch second place if they could take down Benalla.
Score: Shepparton Swans 35 lt Seymour 37.
B-grade
While Seymour has wrapped up third position on the ladder with a 12-goal win over Shepparton Swans, they are no closer to knowing who they will take on in the first round of finals in a fortnight’s time.
The Swans, along with Benalla and Shepparton United, are locked on 40 points and make up the bottom half of the top six, while Echuca are one game behind in seventh.
Dependent on results in the final round of the home-andaway season this weekend, the Lions could be taking on any one of these opponents but will take great confidence from their result on Saturday.
The game started at a frantic pace, with Seymour taking the slimmest of leads heading into the second term before a 13-7 purple patch boosted the advantage to seven goals at the major break.
The second half was even more even than the first and only a late flurry of goals in the final term took the sting out of the contest to deliver the visitor’s their 13th win of the season.
Kate Berger (20 goals) and Renee Sari (35) paired well in attack, Lyndel O’Sullivan featured prominently and Alexandra Bourne was outstanding in defence.
The Lions will be able to test themselves against undefeated Shepparton this week.
Score: Shepparton Swans 43 lt Seymour 55.
B-reserve
As the four-team race for sixth position heats up, Seymour gained a desperately needed percentage boost with a 42-goal belting of Shepparton Swans.
The Lions took control early and never let go, strangling the life out of the Swan’s forays into attack and transitioning quickly to take a commanding nine-goal lead at quarter time before increasing the margin at every interval.
Georgia Velt was excellent yet again, Isabella Morgan continued her consistent 2016 campaign and the scoring was evenly spread, with Emily McInerney (25 goals) and Hannah Reardon (38) combining well.
The Swans now join Mansfield on 28 points, while Rochester and the Lions are both one game clear on 32 points.
Despite Seymour boasting the strongest percentage of all four sides, they are taking on the undefeated Shepparton this weekend in a clash that will, one way or another, determine whether the Lions will play finals this year. Score: Shepparton Swans 19 lt Seymour 63.
Under-17
Seymour recorded a much need six-goal victory over Shepparton Swans to keep their finals hopes well and truly alive.
The Lions were a game behind the Swans heading into the match but not only did they even the ledger but also managed to jump their opponents into fifth position with a superior percentage.
The visitors had stars everywhere, with Georgia Engel dominant in defence and Courtney Aldous working tirelessly through the mid court, while Sophie Locke’s accuracy was a feature, finishing with 27 goals.
However, Seymour cannot rest on its laurels with a crucial contest against third placed Shepparton this weekend, one that they must win to guarantee a top six finish.
Should the Lions fail to do so, they could fall to seventh in the event of both Kyabram and Shepparton claiming the four points, although it would be a remarkable effort for the Bombers to knock off second placed Echuca.
Score: Shepparton Swans 31 lt Seymour 37.