C Grade Cats fall short

Rutherglen Cats’ C Grade netball side were on the wrong side of a four-goal thriller in the Tallangatta and District Netball Association grand final on Saturday, losing the final game of the season 38-42 against Thurgoona.

It was the third time this season Rutherglen’s clash against Thurgoona was decided by five goals or less, with their previous two encounters during the home and away season just as tense.

It was more than a gallant effort to reach the big dance by the Cats, coming from fourth on the ladder to beat both Barnawartha and Kiewa Sandy Creek, sides that finished third and second respectively, to reach the grand final.

Thurgoona held a seven-point lead at half time and while the Cats were able to reel the margin in to a slender four goals at the last break, a goal for goal last quarter saw Thurgoona reigned champions.

Melissa Pinn scored 26 goals for the Cats and recorded the highest scoring percentage in the game, while Karlin Waite also scored 12.