Parrots’ defensive pressure and versatility deliver Premiership

LEONGATHA overcame its Semi Final loss to Traralgon, defeating the Maroons by 11 goals in the 15 & Under Netball Grand Final, the versatility of usual Goal Attack Ashlee Spark proving crucial and earning her the medal for best on court.

“Ashlee did so well; she is a natural goaler and I put her Goal Keeper, Centre and Goal Defence, so she killed it in a very unnatural position,” coach Taylah Brown said.

“She did what I asked of her and she had a crack.”

The coach believes Spark had played only once in defence this season and a couple of times in the Centre.

While Spark’s versatility stood out on the day, Brown said that flexibility applies to the Parrots across the board and she has trust in all her players to perform the roles they are assigned.

The Parrots took charge of the contest in a commanding second half.

When Traralgon managed the first goal of the third term, levelling the scores, it threatened to remain a tight contest but Leongatha was relentless from then on.

The Maroons started the game impressively, having most of the possession in the opening couple of minutes and quickly scoring three goals before the Parrots settled.

Brown had warned her players the early minutes of a Grand Final are always chaotic, pleased with their ability to get through that challenging period and work their way into the game.

She was impressed, but not surprised, how Goal Attack Anika Edwards and Goal Shooter Jemma Rump shared the scoring responsibility.

“They’ve both been phenomenal all year,” she said.

The coach was delighted with the defensive efforts of her players across the court, noting even Jemma Rump as Goal Shooter made an intercept, that combined effort to shut down Traralgon having been a key focus at training on Thursday night.

Player of the game, Spark said the ability of the team to believe in and trust each other was the key to success.

“It was pretty scary at the start and I thought it was going to be a close one, but we came out and got the win,” she said, responding “I think I played alright,” when asked about her own game and clearly proud of how the team performed as a whole.