Fresh off a pair of victories against competition pace-setters Mooroopna and Echuca, the Lions were greeted by a fired-up Bombers side in what turned out to be a gripping display of senior netball.
With the teams locked away heading into the last quarter, the reigning premier showed its class in the final quarter, piling on an offensive barrage to clinch the crucial eight-goal triumph.
Seymour coach Ellie O’Sullivan said it was fantastic to grind out a tough victory on the road.
“It was a good win. Ky definitely came out firing and challenged us with the game being even going into the last quarter,” O’Sullivan said.
“I was really happy that we were able to push the lead out in the last quarter and win by eight goals, but Kyabram really put in a great performance, so to be able to stand up to that type of pressure, it will put us in great stead moving forward.”
O’Sullivan said her side was surprised by the physicality of the contest, as the Bombers came into the game determined to make it a defensive slog in the hope of causing a major upset.
“It was a very physical game and I think that caught us napping a little bit,” she said.
“Kyabram came out with a lot of energy and put on a really good performance from the first whistle, while we sort of built into it and adjusted to that added physicality as the game went on.
“They certainly played a really great game of netball that made us think and really challenged us right throughout. I think it was just our maturity that got us over the line in the end.”
In terms of individual standouts, the Lions enjoyed an exciting mix of youth and experience, with one debutant particularly impressing the coach with her efforts.
“We had a pretty young team on the court with one player debuting in Sophie Rutherford, and it was really impressive to see her stand up in such a close match and be a force through the mid court,” O’Sullivan said.
“Jess Lallo, Sarah Szczykulski and Nakita Singe were also fantastic for us. Jess was just so accurate on the shot and really stood up when the game had to be won, while Sarah and Nakita worked overtime in defence to give us more scoring opportunites.”
Seymour’s tough run of matches will continue next weekend as it welcomes a quality Shepparton United outfit to Kings Park.
O’Sullivan said her team was excited for what would be another incredibly tough challenge.
“We are really keen to play Shepparton United, they are always a tough competitor so it will be nice to welcome them to our home court,” she said.
“It is another big challenge for us and another week we can combine well together and prove we are top contenders this season.”