Eagles overcome semi-final loss to claim B grade flag

So, when they lined up against the Redlegs on Saturday at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve in the decider, there was no way Shepparton East was going to let it happen again.

Despite being challenged at various points, the Eagles found a way time after time, eventually securing a 40-35 victory to avenge the semi-final loss and ensure the B grade trophy ended up in their cabinet.

It was a free-flowing Shepparton East that took to the court, emerging from the tense first few minutes with an 8-5 lead, although the methodical play of Tallygaroopna saw the Redlegs back to just 7-8 behind at quarter time.

With a vocal Eagles crowd urging them on, East flicked the switch in the second term, with ambitious passes paying dividends and brilliant pressure forcing Tallygaroopna to hurry, leading the Eagles to open up a game-high 17-10 advantage, although the Redlegs weren’t completely shaken, once again closing the margin down before the break to trail 16-20 at the half.

Having been on the back foot for the majority of the contest, Tallygaroopna attacked to begin the third, levelling the game at 21-21, and for the first time all afternoon taking the lead at 22-21, as the Redlegs launched a premiership bid.

With the roles reversed, the Eagles took on the methodical gameplay, remaining calm and composed as they slowly rebuilt the advantage, reinstating the half time lead of four goals to remain ahead 30-26 at the final break.

Tallygaroopna threw everything at Shepparton East in the final term, heaping the pressure on as they drew within two goals of the lead, but clutch shooting at the death and consistently high pressure ensured the Eagles would not be denied the flag.

Playing co-coach of the B grade Eagles, Erynn Hueston, who was joined at the helm of the wider A and B squad throughout the year by Kate Durling, said the premiership was reward for effort over multiple years by her group.

“It's amazing,” she said.

“This grade has probably had to work for the last few years and they've probably fallen short in the last few seasons.

“This year, we just worked really hard to earn that, this means a lot.”

While the semi-final loss might have presented some demons for other sides, Hueston said it was actually the opposite for her group, with the Eagles thriving amidst the pressure it brought.

“I think it actually did us the world of good, to be honest,” she said.

“We weren't getting complacent, but we had to find another gear after that loss.

“It’s never easy losing the first final and to come back from that, credit to the girls, they fought back, and we knew what we had to do to get to this point.

“We’ve been challenged, even in the prelim, and then we were challenged again today, but to the girls' credit, they stood up today, that was a mammoth effort.”

Rising in the face of challenge after challenge, despite what had been a dominant season, Hueston paid tribute to her squad, describing their response after three-quarter time as awe-inspiring.

“Incredibly proud,” Hueston said.

“They didn't give up, and we knew we were exhausted, we knew we were tired, but we knew we had to find another level.

“Those girls stood up and they actually took that game on, and we were able to capitalise on the turnovers that we got.

“I’m incredibly proud and humbled by their work ethic and their work rate today.”

Olivia Keady claimed best on court honours in the Eagles’ win, proving rock solid in defence despite being up against a red hot Tallygaroopna side.