Netball Notes
Grand Finals
by
MGNA Publicity Officer
Diana Mueller
Grand Finals
Yinnar upset win in A Grade
The final day of matches, the round that all teams prepare for during the season. Thank you to all clubs for jointly working towards the success of the day. A big thanks to the executive and committee who have worked hard throughout the final series.
Results Grand Finals
15&U Newborough 19 defeated Thorpdale 12
17&U Mirboo North 31 lost Morwell East 38
D Grade Yinnar 31 defeated Yall Yall North 25
C Grade Yinnar 36 defeated Trafalgar 25
B Grade Yinnar 45 lost Trafalgar 47
A Grade Mirboo North 41 lost Yinnar 54
Again some exciting netball with a high standard played at all levels. As always the 15&U started the day. Thorpdale worked hard to defeat favourites Newborough. It was a very tight game with Newborough having the advantage by one goal at half time. The defenses, from both sides, turning over the ball on a number of times. The third quarter Newborough only gained by one goal so going into the last quarter the game was still either teams to take. Newborough were the team that fired in the last quarter holding Thorpdale to one goal and scoring six themselves. Best on court Kim Ross. A well fought game with Newborough taking home the flag.
The 17&U match Morwell East and Mirboo North a game that could go either way. The first 17&U Grand final to be played in the league. A first quarter that saw neither team taking the advantage. Morwell East pressured in the second to hold a handy lead of five goals at half time. They maintained pressure in the third to go into the last change eight goals up. Certainly a lead that any team would like at this stage but still not impossible to catch. Mirboo North worked very hard to close the gap an even though they had the better quarter it wasn’t enough to take the points. A very high standard of netball and Morwell East were just that bit harder at the loose balls. Best on court Kim Attridge Morwell East.
Yinnar in D Grade made a good start and made the most of their opportunities in the first quarter to be up by seven goals. Yallourn Yallourn North did not want their opponents to get away thus reversed the first quarter result to go into the second half down by a two goals. A very even second half however Yinnar would not allow Yallourn Yallourn to get in front thus taking home the flag. Best on court Fiona Smith Yinnar.
C Grade saw Yinnar meet Trafalgar, the prior favourites and undefeated throughout the season. The latter appearing to peak throughout the final series and set to really challenge an undefeated Yinnar. Very even throughout the first half with Yinnar having the edge at half time by one goal. Third quarter also saw a close game and again Yinnar having the advantage. Yinnar had a very strong last quarter to have a good win. Best on court Meagan Cheffers Yinnar.
In B Grade again two strong teams meeting and the challenge for Trafalgar to defeat an unbeaten team. A very close game throughout with less than a handful of goals separating these teams throughout. At the first change an even game. Trafalgar put on the pressure to lead by three goals at half time. Yinnar chased Trafalgar throughout the last half, looking like they would hit the front but then Trafalgar determined enough not to let this happen. The closest game of the day with Trafalgar taking the flag. Best on court Sandi Burgess Trafalgar.
A Grade Mirboo North was favoured to win having not suffered a loss throughout the season. Yinnar having lost two grand finals to this team very determined to give it their best shot. Yinnar took it right up to Mirboo North in the first quarter to take a lead of four goals. They continued to pressure, with Deidre Greenwood shooting superbly, in the second quarter to open the lead to eleven goals at half time. Mirboo North now had the job in front of them and Yinnar needed to maintain pressure in the second half. Mirboo North looked like they might fight back bridging the gap to seven goals at the last change. Yinnar came out hard again in the last quarter sensing they could win and appeared to work that little bit harder. Today Mirboo North lacked intensity but all credit to Yinnar a well deserved win. Best on court to Hayleigh Bryant Yinnar. Both these clubs were presented with trophies for shooting over a 1000 goals throughout the season.
Thank you to all the umpires throughout the final series without them we would not have a game. Medallions were awarded to grand final umpires for their efforts. Remember they love the game as much as the players and spectators.
Presentations were made to two new life members Brenda Lincolm from Trafalgar and Narelle Bounds Yallourn Yallourn North. Both these ladies have given many years of service to their clubs and to the league.. Be proud of yourselves ladies and know that we have appreciated your tireless efforts. Without our workers our clubs and association would not exist
Congratulations to all the teams who reached the grad finals. It is unfortunate there always is a winner and loser. Many would have been celebrating last night and many commiserating. But to all teams the netball was excellent to watch and you all did our game proud.
I can now put my pen away for season 2001 and one. A last note a remainder that the MGNA Annual Meeting will be held on Monday 8th of November at the Italian Australian Sporting Club of Gippsland, Princess Highway Morwell, starting at 7.00pm. At least two representatives from each club must be present. Please support the league and take on committee positions without our workers our league would not exist.