GVL | Gallery | Shepparton United celebrates Jessie Barnes milestone with big win over Swans

By Zac Standish

Jun 26, 2022

Special day out: Jessie Barnes put in a dominant performance as she celebrated her 150th game for Shepparton United. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Shepparton United ensured Jessie Barnes’ 150th game was a day to remember as it mauled cross-town rival Shepparton Swans 61-38 at Deakin Reserve.

Beginning to really kick into gear, the Demons were firing on all cylinders on Saturday afternoon, with the depleted Swans simply powerless to stop them.

Spawning from a dominant defensive performance by VNL recruit Bess Schnioffsky and Liv Kirby, the Demons were then able to create a multitude of opportunities for Barnes in the attacking ring.

Battling hard: Shepparton Swans’ Hannah Garner and United’s Georgia Walpole jostle for position. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

A win that cements its spot in the top four, Shepparton United coach Kara Blizzard said it was a near-complete performance.

“It was a really good win as we continue to really build into the second half of the season,” Blizzard said.

“We probably started a little bit slow and then we worked our way into the game courtesy of the work of Bess and Liv in defence.

Standout performer: Shepparton United’s Olivia Kirby. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“For the Swans to really push us early with a fair few out was good from their respect, but for us to rise to the challenge and put in a performance like that, it shows that we are really starting to click.”

The second and third quarters were particularly fruitful for United, with their slick ball movement resulting in them going on a 38-17 run.

Close checking: Shepparton Swans’ Klarinda Hudson stands by Shepparton United star Jessie Barnes. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

At the heart of the Demons’ scoring avalanche was the ever-reliable Barnes, who once again put on a show to celebrate the big milestone.

“It was amazing for Jessie (to get the win yesterday) she is so highly respected in the team and around the league,” Blizzard said.

“Her passion and loyalty to our team and the club is amazing, so we are really stoked we could do that for her and she was pretty stoked after the game.”

Tough slog: Shepparton Swans’ Shinea Sali. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Along with the dominance of Barnes in attack, the play of City West Falcons recruit Schnioffsky in defence would have without doubt thrilled the United faithful.

Having been around the group for the majority of the 2022 season, Blizzard said she had brought an extra dimension to the already-strong Demons line-up.

“The reason we have Bess is through Jessie who played with her at City West Falcons and convinced her to come up,” she said.

Close call: Shepparton United’s Georgia Walpole. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“She is now a major part of our team on and off the court and is loving it up here.

“Building up a strong rapport with Liv (Kirby) in defence, she had another excellent game yesterday and really set up the big victory.”

While it was a tough day for the Swans, they can take some solace out of the way they fought out the match, winning the last quarter 12-11.

Working hard: Shepparton Swans’ Ash McMahon. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Around the courts, Echuca made a statement on its home court, destroying a hapless Benalla 65-36.

Dominating all four quarters, Jacquie James came away with best-on-court honours for the Murray Bombers, and received great support from Greta Pearson and Claire Byrne.