NETBALL
ROSEDALE will be gunning for back-to-back North Gippsland netball titles when it clashes with Churchill in the grand final on Saturday.
The minor premier made amends for their semi-final loss at the weekend, rebounding to topple Woodside in the preliminary, while the Cougars had a week’s rest.
The sides have met on three occasions this season with the ledger at one each, including a 57-all draw in their first meeting.
Sitting side-by-side on the premiership ladder in first and second for the majority of the season, Churchill broke through in the semi-final to best Rosedale 45-44.
In a rematch of the 2012 final, in which the Cougars reigned supreme, both sides boast strong lineups.
Churchill’s goal attack Kylie O’Brien capped off a strong season as runner-up in the league best and fairest award with teammate Rachael Lochel and Maddison Burney named in the A grade league team of the year.
The same accolade was bestowed on Rosedale’s Carly Johnstone, Amy Harrison, Ella Bertacchini and Jess Mayne.
Bundling out Woodside last Saturday, the Blues’ past month has been near faultless, however coach Bronwyn Joyce will be keen to overturn the semi-final result.
Churchill coach Rachel Paterson, who was at the helm when the side claimed the title three seasons ago, will be expecting nothing less than a hard-fought battle against two talented outfits.
