Shepparton’s B-grade netball side has dazzled its way to a Goulburn Valley League premiership inside the friendly confines of Deakin Reserve, ending Echuca’s dreams of a potential senior sweep in 2023.
Echuca pushed the Bears to the end despite trailing by as many as 11 goals midway through the final term, but a valiant rally would prove too late as Shepparton shone through on its home court to win 48-41.
The win ensures the grand final host would not leave empty-handed after the 17-and-under Bears suffered defeat Sunday morning against a drought-breaking Mooroopna.
The third term marked a turning point for a Shepparton side that had maintained a near-constant, though modest, advantage through the first half.
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Scanning ahead: Shepparton's Hannah Crawley. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 5
Hold up: Shepparton's Keely O'Dwyer and Echuca's Madeline O'Nial. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 5
What a leap: Shepparton's Keely O'Dwyer attempts to spoil Echuca's Jorja Oliver. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 5
Hug it out: Shepparton's Keely O'Dwyer is lifted in the air. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 5
Large support: Shepparton fans cheer on their side. Photo by Rechelle ZammitAn interception-laden 10-minute period opened the contest with both midcourts seeking to suppress one another before the two offences started to find their groove late in the first term.
Echuca would put on six of the first seven goals in a see-sawing second quarter to lead briefly, though the Bears would regain an ascendancy they never again squandered shortly thereafter.
A primarily one-sided third term set the stage as the Bears would get out beyond double digits, winning the term 12-6 but the Murray Bombers gave them plenty to think about with a super flurry late to close the margin to six goals, their efforts in vain.
Goal defence Keeley O’Dwyer had a tall task in shutting down Echuca’s offence for large periods and reaped the spoils with the best-on-court medal after the siren.
Top prospect may no longer be an appropriate label for Ruby Higgins, who took on a sensational partnership with fellow goaler Sophie Harmer to announce herself as a senior to watch.
The home crowd was right up and about whenever Higgins would sniff a chance around goal, contributing a fervent atmosphere to a game that was never truly over.
At least, not if you ask relieved Bears coach Stacey Thompson.
“I only thought it was over with about a minute to go,” Thompson said, laughing.
“(Echuca) are such a good side, and they’ve been the benchmark all year, but to our credit, the girls stuck to everything today.
“We ran away with a good win in the end.”
Speaking to The News to preview the occasion, Thompson emphasised the team-first, collaborative mentality that drove a sometimes makeshift Bears side to the big dance.
That mindset never wavered as Thompson’s team clinched the flag.
“I’m so proud of the seven girls on the court, but moreso the 12 as a whole group,” Thompson said.
“Not all of them got to take the court today, but it was a whole team effort that got us over the line.”