Grand final rematch lives up to hype

If Saturday’s thrilling clash between Natimuk United and Laharum was anything to go by, Horsham District A Grade netball could be treated to a second consecutive grand final showdown between the clubs.

Both teams entered the game undefeated, with Laharum’s most recent loss having come at the hands of the Ewes in the 2018 grand final.

Billed as a clash of superpowers, the game did not disappoint.

Despite torrential rain the Ewes were able to gain the upper hand in the first quarter by creating turnovers.

Defenders Casey Vanstan and Jo Taylor were resolute against the highest scoring tandem in the league – Laharum’s Caitlin Story and Maddie Iredell.

With Michelle Trigg matched on up Laharum centre Zandria Malone and Danielle Fleay battling Rylee Hateley,

Natimuk United ended the first quarter with 18 goal attempts to Laharum’s 11, a testament to the pressure its players applied.

Ewes Shannon Couch and Alysha Liston converted 12 of those attempts to give their side a five-goal advantage at the first change.

Laharum’s intensity lifted in the second quarter as the Demons held the Ewes to just seven goals from 14 attempts, but the visitors could not make any inroads on the scoreboard.

In the third term the Demons gained the ascendancy as Natimuk United’s shooting accuracy plummeted, with Rebecca Mcintyre holding the dangerous Couch to just two goals for the quarter.

Trailing by three at the final break, Laharum hit the lead halfway through the last quarter with Hateley feeding the ball effectively to Story and Iredell, but Natimuk United kept its composure and Couch and Liston did enough in goals to lift their team to a 31-29 victory. The teams will not play each other again in the home and away season, meaning another match-up between the sides this season would be in the finals.

The game was far from the only thriller at the weekend, with Pimpinio eking out a 25-24 win against an understrength Rupanyup.

The Panthers got an early jump on the Tigers with six goals to shooter Blair Burke in the opening term, but the home side slowly reeled Rupanyup in.

Janelle Baker led the way at goal attack in a tough match-up against Rupanyup coach Kayla Woods.

Kelsey Hamilton was also strong through the midcourt, allowing the Tigers to exploit their numbers advantage.

A superb effort by Pimpinio defenders Lauren Bowen and Erin Habel helped restrict Rupanyup to just four goals in the fourth quarter as the home side completed the comeback for its third win of the season. At Quantong Recreation Reserve Noradjuha-quantong held on for a 35-31 win against Edenhope-apsley to keep itself in the finals hunt.

Lucy Brand netted 25 goals to lead the Bombers, who established an early four-goal lead that they held for much of the match.

Saints goal keeper Dulcie Shirrefs played well, but the in-form Brand was too strong and benefitted from the passing of centre Katrina Kerr.

Georgia Lowe was on target for the visitors with 22 goals to keep them in the game.

Harrow-balmoral kept its season motoring with a huge 78-15 win against Taylors Lake, with Amy Lewis hitting 58 shots.

At the other end of the court Kate Vickery blanketed a pair of Taylors Lake goalies before earning a rest in the last quarter.

Jorrdan Weir, 10 goals, was the Lakers’ best player at goal attack.

Swifts were Jeparit-rainbow, Storm 41-24.

Erin Freeland’s defensive effort on Jeparit-rainbow goalie Hannah Mcilree was a key for the Baggies, while Jade Ralph was on song at the other end of the court with 19 goals.

Jeparit-rainbow’s Bridget Mckenzie began at goal keeper before shifting to wing defence in the last quarter and never stopped trying despite the 17-goal final margin.

The Storm has a bye this week and will need a strong second half of the season to have any chance of playing finals.

The Baggies have a challenge ahead against Natimuk United, Kalkee will return from a week off to host Harrow-balmoral, Laharum will travel to Quantong to face the Bombers, Pimpinio will be at home against Edenhope-apsley and Rupanyup will play Taylors Lake in a road game. too good dispatching for the