As the Kyabram District League netball season turns the corner towards finals, the question on everyone’s lips is who will be playing in finals?
Well, the results from round 11 may illuminate who exactly could not just be playing in September, but who could go the distance.
Girgarre v Nagambie
The clash between the Kangaroos and Lakers was a perfect example of an enthralling match-up which could be an early preview to finals.
The fourth and second ranked sides, respectively, duked it out in a tight contest for three quarters, with Girgarre maintaining control.
Yet, a fourth quarter surge by the Lakers put the host side over the top, escaping round 11 with a narrow five-goal victory over the defending champion.
Girgarre netball co-coach Holly Nelson reflected on the game, pointing to Nagambie’s resilience as the recipe for its success.
“It was a tough and tightly-contested game, Nagambie edged us out at the end, but it was a battle across all four quarters,” she said.
“I felt we were in control most of the game, but momentum swung back and forth, Nagambie just seemed to find an extra gear in that last quarter.
“We probably didn’t take our chances when we needed to and we are really missing Jemma Wright who is out with an injury, so we were missing a couple of players from our starting seven.”
Nelson also outlined who she thought was the best out of her squad in the game, while pointing to the looming finals and Girgarre’s desire to get back to the top.
“Sheridan Deledio was quite strong in goal attack and provided many opportunities into our goal ring,” she said.
“Danisha Wheeler’s drive and defensive pressure was great all game and crucial for us.
“Finals success is something everyone wants out of the season, we are still really hungry and its definitely not something we take lightly.
“We just need to work harder and keep pushing week in and week out to get there.
“We know its not going to come easy, and we’ve been shown that the last couple of weeks, but I think everyone is determined to make that shift and get back into that top two finishes.”
The Roos will look ahead to this week, where they will face lower-ranked Tallygaroopna in round 12.
Rushworth v Shepparton East
The Tigers were in for a test of its legitimacy against the soaring Eagles, who are not only on top of the ladder, but have yet to be bested this season.
Sheree Starling’s unit travelled to Central Park Recreation Reserve and was given a taste of what could be on the horizon, with the Eagles taking into to Rushworth for the majority of the game.
After battling it out over the course of four quarters, Rushworth came out a 26-point loser, with the final score ending at 28 to 54.
Lilly Waasdorp, Kacey Barlow and Ruby Oliver were named as the Tigers’ best.
Rushworth will return home to host Violet Town in round 12, which should serve as a game in which the Tigers can continue to build on its impressive season.
Lancaster v Undera
In a thrilling match that put both teams through its paces, Lancaster was shocked by the 11th-placed Lions at the death.
Hosting the Lions at Lancaster Recreation Reserve, nothing could split the two sides, with Undera getting its nose in front to notch a stunning two-goal victory over the 2024-runners up.
The final score was 38-36.
In what has been a largely disappointing campaign for the Wombats off the back of last year’s success, it looks as Lancaster is unlikely to play the finals.
Despite this, the Wombats will waddle on to face the Redlegs in round 12 at Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve.
Merrigum v Tallygaroopna
Searching for its fourth win of the season, the Bulldogs hosted Tallygaroopna at Merrigum Recreation Reserve.
Despite a back and forth contest, the Redlegs managed to get over the top of the Bulldogs by five goals in a 29-34 finish.
In what was a disappointing but solid effort against a higher ranked side, Achol Padual and Alyssa Christou were the standout players for Merrigum.
The Bulldogs will get another chance to bag another win when they face Murchison-Toolamba in round 12.
Stanhope v Avenel
The Lions did well to go close against finals contender Avenel, but fell short in their round 11 contest.
Hosting the Swans at Stanhope Recreation Reserve, the Lions made a good account of themselves, but ultimately fell short by 15 goals in a 39-54 finish.
Jinaya Nurse, Felicity Hall and Nicola McPhee were outlined as Stanhope’s best in the match.
The Lions have a tough battle ahead of them in round 12, as they travel to Nagambie Recreation Reserve to face the formidable Lakers.