NETBALL
MID GIPPSLAND
By LIAM DURKIN
IF ever there was a sign the ‘old’ Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League was over, it was surely grand final day at the weekend.
Only one of the traditional MGFNL clubs saluted on the biggest stage.
All other premierships headed south, to former Alberton FNL clubs.
Hill End flew the ‘central’ Gippsland flag, winning the 15 and under title.
The Rovers held off Yinnar in a three-goal thriller, 36 to 33, at Meeniyan Recreation Reserve.
Both teams were undoubtedly the two best teams in the competition. The Magpies finished on top of the ladder, although Hill End was second only on percentage.
Unfortunately, one team had to lose on grand final day.
Hill End’s Isabella Michaelides was named best-on-court in the decider.
Foster bookended its grand final day with premierships in A Grade and 13 and Under.
Tigers A Grade coach Ebony Best added to her collection, which is now well over 10 A Grade premierships.
Her Foster team was far too strong for Yinnar, and won in a canter 63-29.
Foster’s Madeline Stewart was voted best-on-court.
In other grades, Fish Creek defeated Hill End 43-32 in B Grade. Jayde McGlead (Fish Creek) was best on.
Meeniyan Dumbalk United didn’t have to go far for its C Grade and D Grade premiership celebrations.
The Demons won the former in a one-goal heart-stopper over Hill End, 39-38, and 37-32 in the latter.
Best players for the winners were Tegan Renden (C Grade) and Rachel Priestly (D Grade).
Toora won the 17 and under by two goals against Yinnar, 39-37.
The Magpies technically couldn’t lose the game, but only one town could win the flag.
Evie Stone (Toora) was adjudged best-on-court.
