Wangaratta teams will feature prominently in this Sunday's Ovens and Murray FNL grand finals after a day of thrilling preliminary finals on the weekend. C grade Rovers defeated minor premier Myrtleford in the C grade preliminary final to book itself a grand final ticket against Wangaratta Magpies, making it two Wangaratta derby clashes on the one day. The Hawks had to do it the hardest possible way, the match going to extra time after scores were locked at 35 apiece at the end of the fourth quarter, but relished the challenge, outscoring the Saints six goals to one to triumph 41-36. Coach Deb Doyle confessed to her friends her "cortisol levels have been through the roof" during the finals, but the heart rate was finally starting to settle now. "As a netball player and for me now as a coach, you spend your whole netball life chasing grand final opportunities," she said. "To reach this point is a mix of disbelief, pride, and excitement, it’s what every training session, every hard recovery, and every close match has been building towards." Doyle said it was the players' collective courage which made the difference. "Last week I spoke about being courageous and every player showed that, from the moment they trialled for Rovers at the start of the season through to consistently building their skills to be confident players," she said. "In extra time, I reminded them to just play netball. "Our opposition were showing frustration, but we’ve focused all year on accepting the umpire’s decisions and moving on. "The girls stuck to their structures, grew in confidence, and really gave it everything. "In the second half of extra time Myrtleford didn’t score, which shows how strongly our team stood up under pressure." Sam Lyster (GK), who was been a rock in defence all season lifted another gear, as did her rotation Lily Palmer. "Sam’s season started with an ankle injury in the very first game, but she worked hard on her recovery and has come back fitter and stronger," Doyle said. "Her netball has gone to another level this year. "Together with Maggie Chant, Ella Masters and Tyler Cleal, they’ve built a formidable defensive line." In attack, Mia Eddington (19 goals), nicknamed Stealth, was exceptional. "She has this knack for slipping into space before her defender realises, and she delivered some precise plays at crucial moments," Doyle said. "Holly Semmens (seven goals) added real strength in the shooting circle alongside Lauren Flynn (15 goals). "Charlotte Annett (WA) and Emma Kreltszheim also rotated beautifully. "They both bring different styles, which keeps the game unpredictable." Rovers meet Wangaratta Magpies in the grand final. 17 and under Wangaratta Rovers stormed home in the final quarter of the Ovens and Murray netball preliminary final on Sunday, scoring 17 goals to six to take the chocolates 48-35 over Myrtleford and set up a return bout against minor premier Wodonga Raiders. "It is one of the hardest games to win," Rovers coach Stacey Lamb said. "We knew that Myrtleford would come out firing, they have been the third best side all year so we expected a good contest. "Sophia Pasquali played an amazing game as an attacker, feeding Lily Lyster beautifully who shot a remarkable 41 goals for us. "For the first time all year we had our full team available to play. "Our captain Annie Harding was back after scaphoid surgery and she was fabulous in shutting down their goal attack." Lily Palmer continued her super form and made 12 intercepts for the game, and was well supported by dynamic defender Lainey Draper. "To pull away and win our way into a grand final by 13 goals in front of a massive crowd was so pleasing," Lamb said. "It was something that we have been working towards all year." B grade Wangaratta Magpies' run in B grade came to a sudden end in the preliminary final when they were swept aside by North Albury 45-20. Magpies started well to be just two goals down at the main break but a sizzling second half by the Hoppers ended their grand final dream. Abbey Moore, Tash Healy and Olivia Szegiewicz finished the season in style for the Magpies with impressive efforts, while Mckinleigh Lappin (14 goals) and Sarah Bond (12 goals) did the bulk of the scoring. Magpies coach Kellie Keen said the team's defensive end, Abbey Moore (WD), Tash Healy (WD/GD) and Olivia Szegiewicz (GK), were all solid and turned plenty of ball over. "But we just couldn't convert on these turnovers in our attack end," Keen said. "To win 16 games out of 18, you would say it was a successful season. "There were plenty of positives to come from the season, not only by the 10 players who played in B grade, but also with a number of players coming up from the 17 and under and C grade teams who were given the opportunity to play at a higher level." She said there were plenty of off-court contributors to the team's success as well "The team has had a number of people assist throughout the season, including Hannah (Grady) as assistant coach and primary care, Jodie Moore and Ange Butler team managers, and Katie Dean doing stats during finals. "We also need to thank Felicity Carmody, our netball coordinator extraordinaire. "Nothing is ever too difficult for her." Keen said no decision had been made at this stage on whether she would continue coaching the side next season. North Albury will face Yarrawonga in the B grade grand final. The A grade final will see Wodonga Raiders meet Yarrawonga while the 15 and under final will feature Wodonga Raiders against Myrtleford.
