Netball almost took a back seat on Thursday night as Shepparton United and Mooroopna paid tribute to the late Jenny Barlow, the netball figure who had an extraordinary impact on both clubs.
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The Goulburn Valley League clubs played for the Jenny Barlow Perpetual Trophy, with United claiming the silverware with a 52-36 win.
Adding in the honour of playing on Anzac Day, it made for a tremendously emotional day for both clubs, but United coach Tania Orchard said all had handled the day with class.
‘‘It was pretty amazing, it was a huge day already being Anzac Day,’’ she said.
‘‘Then you add in the tribute to Jenny Barlow, our legend, on top, it made for a pretty sombre and emotional day.
‘‘We lined up on the ground, which was pretty emotional, hearing the bugle play, it really hits home then, you realise to be involved on a day like that is very special.
‘‘Then we lined up on the courts for another minute silence for Jenny — it was a huge day.’’
Once the ball was in the air, United wasted little time taking control of the game, a 7-0 scoring run capped by brilliant interceptions and defensive pressure setting the tone for what was to come.
The Cats dug in and clawed their way within four goals at half-time, but the Demons had plenty left in the tank and raced to record a 16-goal win.
‘‘They were fantastic again — the first quarter was incredible,’’ Orchard said.
‘‘Mooroopna, to its credit, fought back and made us make mistakes. There were those forced errors, but also some unforced ones from us particularly in the second quarter.
‘‘But the girls got started again and finished fantastically in the last quarter. Mooroopna fought all day, they’re a strong and developing side and Di Hanslow is doing some interesting stuff with them.’’
Jessie Barnes claimed the Anzac Day best afield medal but Orchard said balance had been vital to moving to 4-0 for the season.
‘‘Bliz (Kara Blizzard) had a really strong game in wing attack, we pushed her up to wing defence too and she worked really well with Laura Cole,’’ she said.
‘‘Liv Kirby was able to get some turnovers in the circle because of that pressure from wing defence and goal defence, it sets us up really well to pick off some balls.’’
For Mooroopna, Ella Ogier and Mia Fallon were strong, while Dayna Williams took home the Jenny Barlow Medal.
