A Grade
Hay 62 d Murrabit 48
HAY have done the unthinkable, winning the A Grade premiership from third on the ladder and shocking two-time reigning premiers Murrabit by 14 goals.
It was Hay’s first A Grade premiership since entering the Golden Rivers Football Netball League, with the Lions dominating the Blues to leave the minor premiers shell shocked.
The first quarter went goal for goal as each team settled into the match and began to wear down their opposition.
The midcourt match-up of Hay’s Toni Rivett and Murrabit coach Elly Bookham cancelled each other out as the two went about their business, neither giving the other an inch, with Hay going into the quarter-time break one goal up.
Murrabit got the better, just, of the Lions in the second term, scoring 17 goals to Hay’s 16, with scores level at half-time.
Murrabit’s Steph Reeves was providing some great midcourt drive for the Blues while her opponent Jade Auldist was playing smart and disciplined, which would be key to building that much-needed midcourt pressure.
Grace Gillingham was easing into the game, scoring 11 goals in the quarter with all the signs there for Murrabit to fire.
The third quarter is well known as the premiership quarter and it certainly proved to be that for the Lions, outscoring the Blues 18 goals to 14.
Kellie Walker was steady and strong all game, however the key to the Lions getting on top was goal attack Ellen Jamieson helping out the Lions goal shooter.
The pair shot nine goals apiece in this quarter, a contribution by Jamieson that was crucial.
At the other end, Hay defender Maddie Mannes had completely shut down Murrabit’s Emelia Shannahan, who was failing to hit the scoreboard and have an impact.
Walker used her strength to hold correct position in the ring and once underneath the post, does not miss, with Hay taking a four-goal lead into the final quarter.
Murrabit needed to make some changes to their line-up to get on top of the surging Lions.
Montana Keating came onto the court at goal attack, but again, it was Hay’s Mannes who ruled the defensive end.
Walker banked another 11 goals in the last 15 minutes, with Jamieson contributing another four, as Murrabit scored just five goals for the whole quarter.
The Lions roared their way to the premiership, winning by 14 goals in a last-quarter goaling spree that stopped Murrabit in their pursuit of an elusive three-peat.
Best on court went the way of Walker.
B Grade
Murrabit 67 d Ultima 27
THE B Grade premiership was a whitewash, as a strong Murrabit outfit dominated Ultima with a 40-goal victory.
Murrabit held the lead all day as the Roos failed to fire, with best-on-court honours going to Murrabit’s Georgia Carse.
B Reserve
Hay 41 d Ultima 28
HAY have won the Golden Rivers B Reserve premiership after an impressive season at the top of the ladder.
Their experienced playing list stood tall and got the job done over an in-form Ultima team by 13 goals, with best-on-court honours going the way of Hay’s Leslee Grahme.
C Grade
Wandella 32 d Murrabit 31
WITH the first ever C Grade premiership up for grabs, the game came down to the final seconds, when the Bombers took a heart-stopping one-goal win over Murrabit.
Best on court was Wandella’s Jamey Greenhill.
17 & Under
Ultima 40 d Hay 39
IN an incredible display of some of the best junior talent this league has to offer, the under-17 grand final went right down to the wire, with the Roos claiming a one-goal win over Hay.
Ultima players like Grey, McCann and Kelly are all set to have impressive futures in netball, while Sophie Tapper for Hay was outstanding, with best on court awarded to Maddison McCann from Ultima.
14 & Under
Murrabit 57 d Hay 47
AFTER being the most dominant team all season, Murrabit’s under-14s have won the premiership by 10 goals over Hay.
In a very talented team of which several players doubled up playing seniors most weeks, the Blues had the better of Hay, with best on court awarded to Murrabit’s Alexis McKnight.
