Bill West
A 31-27 victory over ladder-leader Macedon has catapulted Woodend-Hesket into the Riddell League A-grade netball grand final.
It’s a case of dare to dream for the Hawks who are playing in their first-ever finals series, with playing coach Meg Grbac keen to keep a lid on premiership expectations in the lead-up to Sunday, September 11.
In the qualifying final at Romsey on Saturday the Hawks led throughout, but became somewhat shaky as Macedon staged a late revival.
The Cats were without ace shooter Chloe Williams and senior club coach Ciara Stewart admitted the side had not been at its best; the defence was amazing but there was room for improvement in the attack.
Macedon now front up against Diggers Rest in the preliminary final at Tony Clarke Reserve on Saturday and should be buoyed by massive home town support; two other Macedon sides are in preliminary finals as well, with the Cats’ B-graders already in the grand final after a fine recovery against Diggers Rest.
“From the netball department’s viewpoint, we’re absolutely stoked to have the chance to see our sides still in contention,” Stewart said.
After holding off Macedon, Grbac paid tribute to all her players, and supporters as well, for their efforts.
Diggers Rest defeated Riddell on Sunday in the elimination final played at Woodend.
In the closest match of the finals so far, Lancefield B-graders were eliminated when Melton Centrals won by a goal.
Western Rams are having more success on the netball courts than on the footy fields.
The Rams downed Diggers Rest 34-26 to reach the C-grade grand final, with Macedon toppling Riddell 28-18 in the elimination final.
In the Under 17s the Rams showed why they are unbeaten this season by defeating Woodend-Hesket 36-22 in a game highlighted by some long-range shooting by the Rams’ attack.
The Hawks now meet Macedon, 32-25 victors over Melton Centrals.
There should be some exciting matches across the board on Saturday.
