Euroa's Mia Sudomirski is defended by Shepparton United's Olivia Kirby and Grace McInneny.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Finals dreams were realised and shattered across the Goulburn Valley League on Saturday.
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The headline story from the closing regular season round was Shepparton Swans’ unlikely entry into the promised land, leaping from eighth to sixth thanks to a 61-44 victory over Kyabram at Princess Park.
Needing a resolute win and outside results to fall their way, the Swans were challenged early as Kyabram trailed by one goal at quarter time.
But a powerful second quarter and gradual build, led by shooter Chelsea McDonald, made for a memorable day out for the Swans.
Meanwhile, Euroa’s 63-47 win over Shepparton United at Deakin Reserve proved both a statement of intent and a season-ending blow.
Olivia Morris again starred under the post, sinking 43 goals while her attacking allies in Mia Sudomirski and Sami Kreltzheim pulsed with precision feeds and full court pressure.
United started hot knowing their season was on the line.
Yet slowly but surely, the well-oiled machine of Euroa began cranking into gear as the Magpies levelled the score, then edged out to five goals up, then 10.
The game was was slipping away from United by quarter-time, Euroa bursting to an 18-7 lead and dictating the pace from there.
Despite the best efforts of United’s Hannah Onley, who worked tirelessly to convert in attack, and defender Grace McInneny, who fought bravely, the Magpies’ composure proved unshakable.
Midcourter Hollie Reid drove the ball with speed and precision, while defenders Ellie Warnock and Kellie Davidson kept things tight in United’s shooting circle, forcing a stack of turnover ball.
By the final whistle, Euroa had cemented second spot — and left United’s finals dream in tatters.
Elsewhere, Shepparton’s unbeaten streak finally met its match — but not in defeat.
The Bears and Seymour played out a thrilling 54-all draw in a contest that swung from end to end - and with both sides entrenched in the top three with Shepparton securing the minor premiership, the result may prove a psychological marker heading into finals.
Mooroopna, meanwhile, played executioner.
The Cats’ 50-45 win over Echuca was enough to close the door on the Murray Bombers’ late charge for sixth spot, with Ash Lancaster again starring in attack and Rhani Hendy dictating midcourt play.
Tatura ensured it will enter September in form, dismantling Rochester 50-29 to clinch fourth.
The Bulldogs’ defensive pressure suffocated the Tigers from the outset, while their shooting end, speared by Charlette Gray, was clinical.
At Benalla, visiting side Mansfield edged the Saints 41-38 in a gritty contest that offered no impact on finals but plenty of pride.
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