And ... breathe: Echuca worked to the last second to taste GVL B-reserve grand final glory.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Echuca’s burgeoning trophy haul continues to grow with victory ― albeit at the last moment ― against a spirited Shepparton Swans in Sunday’s Goulburn Valley League B-reserve netball grand final.
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Murray Bombers goal shooter Jordan Townrow was the hero, sinking the game-winner with less than 10 seconds remaining to take it 44-43 after the Swans had twice tied the affair up in the final term, having trailed at every change.
Prime mover: Kylie Walker looks to send Echuca into attack.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
If this sounds familiar, one would be forgiven for flashing back to the prior weekend’s scintillating Stanhope-Tallygaroopna decider in the Kyabram District League.
This contest ― in the same division level ― was every bit its equal, though.
The Murray Bombers should have led by far more than their four-goal advantage at the first change, let down only by a string of stray passes going forward late.
Echuca would threaten to run away with the contest early in the second, piling on seven of the quarter’s first nine goals to open up an 18-9 lead.
The Swans would work their way back into it ahead of the half through some clutch moments from range from Swans goal attack Lacey Pogue.
In the blink of an eye Echuca would be up by a mere two goals, the Murray Bombers mainly benefitting from a litany of defensive fouls to ensure the margin would continue to plateau heading into the final 15 minutes.
Sweet result: Echuca celebrates defeating Shepparton Swans in the B-reserve grand final
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Swans goal shooter Amy Woodman was near-flawless in her close-range positioning and finishing around goal in the second half, but Townrow stood up as her side was repeatedly pegged back, finishing off the final of three goals the teams would trade in a frenetic last 60 seconds.
Echuca skipper Kylie Walker, industrious and exemplary from first to last, was awarded best-on-court at the post-match ceremony.
A visibly and audibly emotional Betty McCoomb, in her first year coaching, shared her feelings post-match.
Stout resistance: Tina Rankins was a leading light for Echuca.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
“I’m elated to see the hard work of all my players that they’ve put in all season be rewarded,” McCoomb said.
“I’m super proud that they pushed through it and came out the other end to be in front.
“Everyone stood up, everyone played their role and did what they needed to do and we’ve just rewarded ourselves.”
McCoomb shared her thoughts on the path that led her to the Murray Bombers’ B-reserve helm and the satisfaction this moment brings.
“I took this journey to help develop and push my coaching,” McCoomb said.
“Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that I’d have a premiership in my first year.
“It’s been an amazing experience and I’ve learned so much.
“I hope I’ve imparted a little bit to the girls, but it’s been a fantastic journey.”
