THE Leongatha Under 13 Netball Team came back from a Qualifying Final defeat to Sale a few weeks ago to narrowly turn the tables on them in the grand final at Morwell on Saturday, September 20.
In a game that started with squally wind, rain and even hail, the players on both sides, especially the goalers, display great skills and resilience to compete at a high level, up and down the court.
But there was nothing in it throughout. Sale started better to have a nice three-goal lead at the first break but Leongatha’s goalers Clancee Salmon and Georgia Rump found their loop and range and pegged them back with good fee coming through the centre via the Parrots’ dynamo centre player and league best award winner Finlay Bradley.
At the start of last quarter, Sale was leading 18-17 but Leongatha was coming home to the more sheltered end, with a vocal supporters group dominating the grand stand in green and gold.
Clancee Salmon was on the end of some nice passing in and got the first two goals to put Leongaha up by one, 19-18.
It then went to 21-19 with Leongatha’s defenders Matilda Bester and Kobie Effern were working overtime especially against Sale’s excellent shooter Kelly Owen. A great rebound by Kobie and down the court we go. A goal by Georgia and Leongatha were up by 22-19.
But soon, with Sale forcing a turnover and getting the next centre pass, it was back to only one the difference, Leongatha up by one. Sale surged forward for the equaliser but no goal. Leongatha’s attacking players worked it around the goal circle but an intercept and Sale was away. A key intercept by Lexie Gostling, now in WD, was important and off Leongatha went down the court again.
The shot goes up and Georgia has another important goal in the swirling conditions, 23-21. Leongatha’s GK Matilda Bester wins it back but there’s a turnover and Sale’s GS takes a great pass and goal. Leongatha in attack again. It’s thrilling. The ball goes loose in the wind, down the wet shining court. Passing is hard. Another Clancee goal and Leongatha retains its buffer 24-22. Leongatha gets it back on a miss by Sale. But it’s a turnover in mid court and Sale comes back to get the next goal to make it 24-23. Could it go to extra time?
Down the court go the Parrots where Georgia Rump is forced to shoot from outside but her long bomb goes in for a crucial goal.
There’s a bit of play both ways but no more score, siren! It’s first blood to the Parrots on a huge day of grand finals for the club at Morwell on Saturday.
Final score: Leongatha 25 to Sale 23.
Janelle Stothers the Sale coach is full of praise afterwards for the skills and talent shown by both teams in tough conditions. Leongatha parents, she says, should be proud of your kids. There’s also credit for her team and thanks the Sale parents and the league.
Likewise, Leongatha coach Alicia Marshman praised the improvement shown by both teams through the year, noting that after Sale defeated the Parrots in the Qualifying Final it could have gone either way on the day.
Best on court in the Under 13s was Leongatha centre Finlay Bradley receiving an award from Gippsland Stars player Daisy Hill.
Leongatha’s first premiers of the day celebrate their triumph in style.
