The odds hardly seemed in the GVL’s favour going in after some midweek availability chaos forced no fewer than four changes the day the line-up was due.
Coming from behind was no issue for the Open contingent, though, riding the barnstorming goaling efforts of Ellie Fuhrmeister to surge early in the final term and hold out to claim a valuable 45-40 win.
The result not only saved face in grand fashion for the GVL, but set up a memorable top-level double on the day as the senior footballers soon saluted.
Non-playing GVL coach and Rochester co-coach Rachel Whipp happily mused over her side’s ability to gel.
“Ellie and I are extremely proud of the girls in the way they came out and clicked together,” Whipp said.
“They’re all experienced in playing VNL as well, so that experience shone through in putting our game together.
“We had a few combinations who play together with their clubs, so that was an added help.
“We had a couple of girls injured during the week and one who was ill, but they’ll all be back for the association titles next month.”
Whipp said the result further affirmed not just the power of the league, but the special environment that came with representing it.
“The GVL’s very strong at the moment and it’s a credit to the girls who have put their hands up to play,” Whipp said.
“We’re very lucky that the girls who played today have committed to representing the league.
“It’s something that all players should strive to do.”
Euroa’s Kellie Davidson took out best-on-court honours and Whipp had plenty of praise for the starting centre’s efforts.
“Kellie played a beautiful, steady game and came into it when required,” Whipp said.
“She was a strong leader on the court who stepped up in the times where we needed players to do that.
“She took the game on, as did all the girls. All our defenders did their jobs beautifully and gave us the chance to feed our shooters.”
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