Sea Eagles top the West Gippy courts

THROUGHOUT all 18 rounds of the home and away season the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition courts saw more than its fair share of high-level netball, and it reached new heights in the finals. 

Last Saturday marked the end of an incredible season, but also produced some scintillating Grand Finals on the courts of Garfield. 

A grade 
Highlighting the day was of course, the rematch of the Second Semi Final in the A grade division, between minor premiers Inverloch-Kongwak and Semi Final victors Bunyip. 

Experts tipped it to be a high-speed shootout with top tier skills, and it sure did not disappoint, as IK’s stringent defence came up against Bunyip’s high-powered attack. 

It was the Bulldogs explosive attack that got upper hand early in a rapid start, it was an onslaught in the first term as the ‘Dogs shooters seemingly could not miss and their passes all pinpoint. 

However, down six early the Sea Eagles mounted a charge thanks to some inspired play from wing attack Lanni Pryor and league best and fairest winner Renee Pilkington who was playing centre. 

Although Bunyip’s shooters continued to raise problems for IK coach Jaz Walker and his team, the team of the year coach swapped Kelsey Buxton from defence into centre for Pilkington and brought on Asha Boyd in the second and his girls made a real surge. 

The minor premiers crawled all the way back in an absolute belter of a game, as the ‘Dogs lead evaporated the Sea Eagles did not let up, hitting the front for the first time late in the term. 

They took a four-point buffer into half time and the game, and the premiership was truly impossible to pick.

As the sun finally shone down for the first time all day, the third quarter began and it was a hot one, players flying around the court at amazing speed showing great bravery and calculated aggression. 

The decision to sub in Asha Boyd into wing defence was proving to be a brilliant one by coach Walker, the young gun splitting up plenty of Bunyip passes before flying for a courageous tap away and unfortunately landing awkwardly and injuring her leg. 

The Sea Eagles came together and looked determined to get it done for the young star and their large supporter base that surrounded the court. 

Inspired by the injured star’s play, and the crowd, IK carried on, playing an exciting and skilful brand of netball as they clung to their six-point lead into the third quarter, extending it to eight at the final change. 

The IK lead remained for what felt like ages into the fourth, until the Bulldogs mounted a charge of their own, desperate to come from behind and take the title. 

The ‘Dogs cut the lead from eight to four as the crowd found full voice, in the end despite a gallant late Bunyip effort, it was the minor premiers holding on thanks to some clutch shooting by Ella Sadler. 

The Sea Eagles recovering from the early deficit to run out winners by four points. 

Congratulations to Inverloch-Kongwak, 2022 WGFNC A grade premiers!

Sea Eagles centre Kelsey Buxton received best on court honours. 

B grade 
In the B grade division, it was Tooradin-Dalmore taking on Nar Nar Goon in a tightly contested decider. 

The Seagulls were looking to claim their consecutive second B grade title, after defeating Dalyston in the 2019 Grand Final. 

That is exactly what they did, fighting off a brave Goon outfit to win by just two-points. 

Seagull Holly Gillespie was awarded the best on court medal. 

C grade 

In the C grade division, it was another well-awaited semi-final rematch between Inverloch-Kongwak and Bunyip. 

After winning the premiership in 2018, IK looked to make it two from four but unfortunately it just wasn’t to be, as the Bulldogs looked a touch too good all match long. 

Coming out laser focused, the ‘Dogs capitalised on the plentiful amounts of IK turnovers and generated many scoring plays as the shooters at both ends produced a masterclass early. 

In the end though, Bunyip were just too well drilled and determined, staying focused as the conditions worsened with heavy rain, they came out victors by 15-points. 

D grade

In yet another game that shaped to be a blockbuster, minor premiers Inverloch-Kongwak took on Bunyip after the ‘Yippers got the better of the Sea Eagles two weeks prior. 

The in-form Sea Eagles came off an impressive Preliminary Final comeback win, while the Bulldogs had the confidence after being the first to defeat IK this season in the Semi. 

The ‘Dogs were just simply a class above from the outset, showcasing their awesome slick play throughout the match, the Sea Eagles did well to fight back, but it was all in vain. 

The strong Bulldogs side running out winners by 6-points.

Under 17s

After winning their way in, in the Preliminary Final, Phillip Island came into the Grand Final full of gusto as they faced off with the formidable outfit that is Dalyston. 

The defences of both sides were dominant, generating plenty of plays for the respective sides, Olivia Bramley was excellent for the Magpies, but the Bulldogs edged ahead with better ball movement and hustle. 

The Islanders eventually pulling of a famous victory by just two-points. 

Congratulations to Phillip Island, the 2022 WGFNC under 17s premiers!

Bulldog shooter Lily Mewett was awarded the best on court medal. 

Under 15s

In the under 15s division, it was yet another mouth-watering clash between two talented junior netball clubs in Phillip Island and Korumburra-Bena. 

As the only team representing the club in orange, the Giants girls played wonderfully with great support from the club’s faithful. 

The Giants defence stood tall but in the end it was Phillip Island pulling away to win it by seven-points. 

Congratulations to Phillip Island, the 2022 WGFNC under 15s premiers!

Bulldog Maya Huther was the best player on the court. 

Under 13s
The under 13s saw Phillip Island take on Nar Nar Goon in a great showing of netball skills. 

In the end it was the Bulldogs running away with a great win, by 14-points. 

Congratulations to Phillip Island, the 2022 WGFNC under 13 premiers. 

Bulldog Olivia Holmes received best on court honours. 

Under 11s 
In the under 11s division, kicking off the day’s action was Inverloch-Kongwak and Nar Nar Goon. 

In trying, wet conditions the teams still managed to put on a good show, with the Goon eventually taking the win by 18-points.