One of the closest seasons of Ovens and King netball will take yet another step up this weekend as the finals series commences. Teams who finished from third through to sixth across the five grades will take to the court in the pressure cooker which is finals netball, with 10 scintillating matches on the cards. One of the headline fixtures is Saturday’s A grade elimination final between Tarrawingee and Bright, slated for a 2.30pm start on the court at the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve. Despite finishing at opposite ends of the elimination final bracket, Tarrawingee has only won three more games than Bright, and the two teams have enjoyed some spirited contests throughout the home and away season. Back in round four, the Bulldogs took the points up at Pioneer Park 55-47, and when the two teams next met at the Kennel in round 17, it was a low scoring thriller with Tarrawingee again coming up trumps 32-23. Tarrawingee coach Tig White said Bright was not to be underestimated for an instant. “At the end of the day it doesn’t matter where anyone finishes on the ladder - every finals game is going to be tough, no matter who or when it’s played,” she said. “Bright have been such a competitive side this year, so to play them for a third time this season is going to bring a tough match. “There is not one section of the court that stands out with Bright, they are a well-gelled team who put the pressure on in every position, across the whole court. “Keeping control of our own possessions will be a key focus for us on the day.” As recent as a week ago, the Bulldogs were slated to advance to the semi-finals, but the bye in round 20 denied them a chance to pick up points, and were subsequently leapfrogged by Whorouly and forced down to third on the ladder. Being made to take the long road to the decider, as well as a mandatory week away from competition, means it’s going to be a tough time for Tarrawingee. “The bye in round 20 set a challenge for us,” White said. “As nice as it was to have the week off and fit in a rest, it would have been good to continue the momentum, especially because the bye gave us no opportunity to increase our percentage for that last round in such a tight competition. “With the bye in the last round, we knew ahead of time that we would lose our top two finish, so at least we were able to start preparing for a first week of finals games. “The whole squad is so excited to be hitting finals, it really does give a different feel to the rest of the season. “The games are so much more intense, especially in our situation where there are no second chances.” The other A grade elimination final pits reigning premiers Bonnie Doon against the hungry Goorambat, with the winner to take on whoever triumphs out of Bright and the Bulldogs. O&K netball finals schedule – week 1 Saturday, 23 August @ North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve 15 and under – Bright vs King Valley, 9.10am. 17 and under – Moyhu vs Milawa, 10.30am. B reserve - Moyhu vs Whorouly, 11.50am. B grade – Whorouly vs Bright, 1.10pm. A grade – Tarrawingee vs Bright, 2.30pm. Sunday, 24 August @ Whorouly Recreation Reserve 15 and under – Greta vs Milawa, 9.10am. 17 and under – Bright vs King Valley, 10.30am. B reserve – Tarrawingee vs Benalla All Blacks, 11.50am. B grade – Goorambat vs Tarrawingee, 1.10pm. A grade – Goorambat vs Bonnie Doon, 2.30pm.
