Finals claim first victims

And then there were four. The 2025 Ovens and King finals series is in full swing, and there were some stunning results in the A grade netball competition. Saturday’s top flight clash between Tarrawingee and Bright saw two of the best in the league face off, but the Bulldogs proved too strong 48-27. The Bulldogs hit the front early and stayed there, thanks to ironclad defensive play, particularly in the second term. With a slim three-goal lead at quarter time, Tarrawingee only conceded a single goal through the second term while their own shooters converted on their chances, leading by 13 at the half. While they fought valiantly for the full match, the deficit was too much for Bright to overcome. Tarrawingee coach Tig White said her side adapted well to the high-stakes conditions of finals. “We came into the match knowing it was going to be tough game, and both teams came out firing,” she said. “The first quarter moved so fast and both teams created so many turnovers, but also didn’t give each other the opportunity to score. “As we moved into the second quarter, we seemed to find our feet a bit and were able to develop a small lead which we then built on throughout the rest of the game. “The court was hot and our mid courters worked so hard for every ball and caused many turnovers with lots of pressure, while Mollie Shanley down in GK was able to read the play beautifully and intercept any lose ball that came into her area. “The end score didn’t indicate the intensity of the game – Bright’s shooting accuracy was high as always, and their defensive end put a lot of pressure on us down the whole court, so to come away with the win was fantastic for us.” The Bulldogs will face reigning premiers Bonnie Doon in the semi-finals, who were able to secure an eight-goal win over Goorambat on Sunday. Despite being most recent premiers, the Bombers were made to work by the Bats, with Bonnie Doon eventually running out winners 49-41. There was barely a goal in it early, as the two high-quality squads traded goals through the first term. The pressure was palpable, with turnover and frenetic passing across the court. Bonnie Doon was able to settle and make the most of their chances, but coach Michelle Tanner said there was definite room for improvement. “I think we got plenty of turnovers from all players on court, but I was probably a bit disappointed in our conversion of those turnovers,” she said. “The most positive part of the game was our third quarter when we scored 10 goals to their two which is what we are truly capable of when we get on a roll.” The two B grade elimination finals were absolute thrillers, with both Whorouly and Tarrawingee advancing by the skin of their teeth. The Lions managed a 34-32 win over Bright, while Tarrawingee held off Goorambat 39-38. Whorouly and Benalla will face off this Sunday after winning their B reserve elimination finals, while Moyhu and Bright advanced in the 17 and under division, and Bright and Greta progressed in the 15 and under age group.

Finals claim first victims

Nat's back

Sami Kreltszheim's back at Rovers

Wangaratta derby set for C grade netball grand final

Finals campaigns continue for Wangaratta O&M netball teams

Lions into grand final, Bombers continue their surge

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories