ZOE ASKEW
NETBALL
NORTH GIPPSLAND
By ZOE ASKEW
TRARALGON Tyers United faced Sale City in the North Gippsland Football-Netball League C Grade netball Grand Final on Saturday.
With the Bombers having lost only one game throughout the season, the Bulldogs knew they needed to bring both their bite and their bark if they were to take home the preimership flag.
Even the most experienced punters would have been stumped when it came to choosing a winning side, with TTU defeating Sale City 43 to 36 in Round 9 and Sale City defeating TTU 52 to 18 in the semi-finals.
Sale City put forward a tough fight, that saw a profitable collaboration between the Bulldogs’ goal attack, Kate Hayes, and goal shooter Nicola Thatcher.
The Bulldogs centre player, Deb Fox, showcased her wealth of netball knowledge, and was a consistent reassurance for Sale’s girls throughout the game.
Sale City’s goalkeeper, who moved into goal defence for the game’s second half, Ally Gull, was a dominating presence in the shooting ring, putting unrelenting pressure on TTU’s goal shooter, Jessica Bonnici and goal attack, Sarah Johnson.
The Bombers had incredible pace in their attack through their wing attack, Hayley Heil.
TTU’s centre, Ella Maguire, was also an outstanding player, linking well with Heil in the midcourt.
Scores were tied at the end of the first quarter.
TTU dominated the remainder of the game with an exceptional performance from Heil, who fed the ball to the Bombers’ sharp shooters Johnson and Bonnici in the shooting ring flawlessly.
Gull was ferocious in defence, but was no match for the Bombers’ crafty collaboration in the shooting ring.
While Sale City boasted impressive movement in goal shooter Thatcher, her accuracy was a letdown for the Bulldog’s attacking game.
In Thatcher’s defence, it was particularly windy.
When the Bombers took off, there was no chance of stopping them, and when the final whistle sounded, TTU took the victory. defeating Sale City 43 to 28.
Heil was voted best on court.
