Kyneton A Reserve Tiger netballers hadn’t won a match against Kangaroo Flat all season but on the weekend they did win when it really mattered and now they are the season’s premiers.
The Tigers were full of determination and had the support of many locals who flocked to Bendigo’s QEO to see them play.
The first quarter started similarly to the previous week against Sandhurst – the Tigers gained a start while Flat took time to overcome their nerves The Tigers went to the break with a four goal lead. Soon enough it was goal for goal, until Flat led away with a four goal lead and the Tigers’ ball passing went a little wayward leaving them trailing by three at three-quarter time.
The final quarter was intense with the Tigers making the most of every opportunity. They leveled the score then found themselves two goals up only to have Flat fight back with impressive intercepts and fast play which pushed the score out by four. It was then and there that the Tigers stood the fight and slowly clawed their way back with Brook Mangan intercepting the attacking Flat.
Following this, the Tigers scored on their centre and it seemed this game could belong to either side. The deciding play came down to Stephanie Penning with a deflection on the ball at an attempted Flat goal. This picked was up by Kristy Viete and driven down to the Tigers attack. Michelle Fletcher, Hayley Page, Katie Tuner and Brooke Mangan worked the ball around patiently until finally the Tigers scored to gain a single shot lead. Flat converted quickly with the Tigers responding accordingly. It was a race against the clock with the Tigers taking out the big prize in a thrilling victory.
