Pandemonium reigned as spectators surged onto the Romsey netball court after Woodend-Hesket secured a history making first-ever A-grade premiership on Sunday.
The grand final between the Hawks and Riddell was the show stealer across the board in the Riddell League’s 2023 finals series.
Remarkably, four matches (netball and football) were decided in extra time across the finals – something that has never happened before.
It’s a safe bet that Woodend-Hesket celebrations will be continuing this week, and rightly so.
The Riddell League’s netball and media manager, Grace Bibby, said the netball competition had gone to another level with the quality of play this year.
Woodend-Hesket’s playing coach, Meg Grbac, agrees with this assessment, describing the players across the whole netball program at Woodend-Hesket as being brilliant to play with and coach.
“It’s a super supportive and positive club culture, which I feel lucky to be part of,” Grbac said.
“I hope this win can put smiles on some people’s faces …. we love you all.”
Woodend-Hesket’s co-president, Anne-Louise Lindner, said the A-grade premiership was a remarkable achievement for the club, and it made up in part for last season’s grand final defeat.
Lindner and long-time netball coordinator Kellie Duff have played key roles in the development of netball at Woodend for quite some years.
Captain Ty Coppinger, a talented and pressure-absorbing defender, received the medal for best on the court.
Woodend-Hesket Football Netball Club continues to work with Macedon Ranges Shire Council on the development of two new netball courts at Gilbert Gordon Reserve.
The club hopes these will be constructed in the off-season and be available for the start of the 2024 season.
HOW THE MATCH UNFOLDED
Before an overflowing and noisy crowd, Woodend-Hesket and Riddell went goal for goal in the early stages, with fortunes fluctuating. It was 16-15 the Hawks’ way at half-time.
In the third quarter the Hawks edged ahead, only for the Beck Anstey-coached Bombers to fight back, as they have done throughout the finals.
The Hawks seemed to have victory in their grasp when they led 31-27 with the clock ticking down. Missed shots created agony among spectators.
Riddell rallied, and it was 33-33 with the ball near Riddell’s scoring area when the siren sounded.
Another extra time session of seven minutes each way. Riddell was confident, having ousted Macedon in extra time in the preliminary final.
Grbac kept her players calm, and Riddell’s shooters missed a couple of vital shots and the Hawks seemed to lift all over the court.
Passes found their mark, and shots were on target.
The Hawks led 7-2 at the extra time changeover, and kept up the momentum, eventually winning overall 44-37.
The Woodend premiership side comprised Matilda Lethlean, Charlee Duff-Tytler, Laura Carland, Mackenzie Brown, Hayley Rogers, Ty Coppinger, Meg Grbac; bench – Brooklyn Leahy, Abby Gilmore, Rebecca Carland, Georgia Bowkett.
Riddell had earlier won the B-grade final by six goals against Macedon, and had three sides in the finals.
Western Rams took out the C-grade and 19&Under grand finals.
