Gallery | Shepparton’s Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball flag defence over as Seymour, Euroa claim finals win
There will be a new premier in the Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball.
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Shepparton suffered defeat at Rochester Recreation Reserve on Saturday evening to third-placed Echuca in the first elimination final, ending its flag defence.
The Bears scraped into the top six with a 10-8 record after an unbeaten campaign in 2025, but were unable to continue the back-to-back dream after a ruthless second half from the Murray Bombers.
Echuca lead by five goals at half time, 35-30, but a show-stopping performance from goal shooter Sheridan Townrow was the key to assuming victory.
The Murray Bombers stuffed the goals to increase the lead out into double digits, recording a 71-55 win at the final whistle, 48 of which game from the hands of Townrow.
Echuca’s chance at premiership glory lives on another week, as does Seymour’s, which clipped the Eagles’ wings at Tatura Park.
Mansfield entered the clash as the previous winners against Seymour, but with victorious court experience the week before for the Lions at Tatura, Elle Nexhip and co were comfortable on the asphalt.
The Eagles were gallant in their first finals game in years, but the experience of the Lions stood tall as they slowly but surely improved the buffer of their lead over the course of the match for a 49-39 victory.
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Seymour's Ally Black dishes the ball with one hand. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 11
Seymour's Ally Black assesses her options. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 11
Mansfield's Molly Rekers catches safely. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 11
Mansfield's Alex Ball is fed the ball in attack. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 11
Mansfield's Molly Rekers avoids a fumble. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 11
Mansfield's Alex Ball makes a sneaky underarm pass. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 11
Mansfield's Alex Ball takes the high route. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 11
Seymour's Lucy Zotti's eyes laser down a passing lane. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 11
Mansfield's Sophie Bray anticipates a potential intercept. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 11
Mansfield's Amy Dixon-Reilly looks for a looping pass as Seymour's Bridie Cantwell guards the forward space. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 11
The Eagles crowd travelled in big numbers. Photo by Rechelle ZammitOver at Euroa on Sunday, the Magpies and Mooroopna played out a qualifying final classic.
Starting half an hour late after a B-grade overtime clash prior, both sides were equally eager and energetic as proceedings launched, and remained as such through the first 15 minutes - tied 11-apiece at quarter-time.
Euroa found an edge by half-time, albeit only minorly by two goals, but it was the third quarter where the Magpies ability to ‘chip away’ with consistency paid dividends on the scoreboard.
Bec Colwell impressed while shooting as Ellie Warnock locked down the Cats’ attacl, Euroa’s lead increasing to a six-goal advantage, 34-28, at three-quarter-time.
“The pressure and the talk out there, we were just gettig around each other,” Euroa coach and goalkeeper Warnock said.
“We’ve had times where we’ve dropped our heads, and it’s when one person does it filter down the court, whereas today we backed each other and put the foot and down and went for it.”
The Cats made a late dent into the deficit, but Euroa held firm for a three-goal victory, 43-40, that takes it through to a preliminary final against Echuca, where the winner books a grand final ticket for Sunday, September 20.
“It was just our consistency today,” Warnock said.
“The aim today was to chip away, chip away and not rush it, and it worked for us.
“Echuca are amazing, they’re such a strong side.
“They’ve obviously got so much finals experience, but it’s nice to say that we do now too.
“Hopefully we can get the job done.”
Mooroopna will face Seymour in a semi-final, the winner to play the loser of Euroa and Echuca.