Bombers, Bulldogs advance in A grade netball finals

THE first weekend of O&K netball finals brought some of the best sides head-to-head across two days of high-octane action on the netball court. In the first A grade elimination final on Saturday at North Wangaratta, Bonnie Doon proved too strong for a youthful Moyhu outfit 61-32. Moyhu coach Ainslee Dowling said they were outplayed across the court. “We knew if we were any chance of beating them we would have to be 100 per cent on and unfortunately we weren't,” she said. “We never seem to play well after a weekend off and that was the case again on Saturday, everyone was a bit flat after having the bye last round. “We struggle against Bonnie Doon as they're just so much taller than us across the court, we don't match up against them as well as almost any other team. “Amy Holmes and Georgia Allen fought hard all day and Grace Watson-Long never gave up through the midcourt, but unfortunately no one had their best day.” While they may have exited finals in the first week, the Hoppers will no doubt come back stronger next season. “We've become quite a tight-knit group and are genuinely enjoying playing together,” Dowling said. “I think just the overall growth as a team over the season and the way we've started to come together and really find our style of play has been great. “I think the girls are just looking forward to building on that and seeing what we can achieve again next season.” On Sunday, the second elimination final between Tarrawingee and Whorouly was taken by the Bulldogs 39-25 in a highly contested match. Tarrawingee coach Maddie Canning said her defenders really stood up against a strong Whorouly shooting combination. “We knew coming in that we needed to shut down their shooters as they have great accuracy, so it was something we went in focusing on,” she said. “Our young guns Annie Creed and Mollie Shanley set the tone early in wing defence with some crucial turnovers and from there we were just able to build. “Tig White and Noni Mallichan were absolutely incredible in the ring and helped build the lead that held us in good stead for the rest of the game.” The Bombers and Bulldogs will come head-to-head on Sunday at Tarrawingee, with the winner to face the loser of Saturday’s Greta v Milawa clash for a spot in the grand final.

Bombers, Bulldogs advance in A grade netball finals

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