The Riddell League’s A-grade netball grand final on Sunday lived up to expectations, with reigning premiers Woodend-Hesket surviving a stern test from Riddell to clinch the premiership in front of a raucous crowd at Romsey.
The Hawks are still very much in celebration mode after their 45-41 victory over the Bombers.
“We set ourselves a mission to go back-to-back, and guess what, we did it,” elated and unflappable playing coach Tayissa Coppinger said after the thrilling final.
The coach paid tribute to all her players for bonding together on and off the court, and writing another chapter in the Hawks’ proud netball history.
Watching on after arriving from Queensland was the Hawks’ history-making 2023 coach Meg Grabac who was thrilled with the side’s performance.
Woodend-Hesket netball supremo and assistant coach Kellie Duff said it was a tremendous effort by the girls against worthy opposition.
The Hawks received a flying start as Riddell made a few costly mistakes; by half time the Hawks led by eight goals.
Riddell coach Emily Ktona’s positional moves made an impact early in the third term, and the Bombers drew within a goal with a big surge across the court… but they never hit the front.
Another last quarter push made Hawks’ supporters nervous, but they steadied and exciting young goal shooter Charlee Duff-Tytler scored the last basket as supporters edged onto the court.
The Hawks’ Sam Coppinger won the best on court medal, and her centre counterpart Maddy Brown was also excellent.
Meredith Ball was instrumental in Riddell’s second-half revival.
The premiership side comprised Charlee Duff-Tytler (GS), Abby Gilmore (GA), Laura Carland (WA), Sarah Duff (WA), Hayley Rogers (WD), Tayissa Coppinger (GD), Georgia Bowkett (GK), with substitutes being Sam Coppinger, Brooklyn Leahy and Matilda Lethlean.
Riddell’s netball progress and depth was illustrated with four teams in grand finals, for two wins and two defeats.
The Bombers defeated Romsey 62-39 in the B-grade final with long time player Christine Harris best on court; and beat Romsey 43-41 in an Under 19s thriller, with Sienna Phelan-Smith earning the medal.
Macedon led throughout in a very low-scoring C-grade final, winning 25-24 against Riddell. The Cats’ Abby Lambert was best on court.
Gisborne Giants set the ball rolling with a historic 38-21 victory over Romsey in D-grade. Zoe Kucic (GG) was best on court.
Riddell League netball manager Grace Bibby thanked all who had made the season a big success.
“We know it has been challenging at times, but the positives far outweigh the negatives,” Bibby stated.
Riddell’s 19 and Under netball premiership side. Photo: Kerrie Gleeson 
Riddell’s B-grade netball premiership side. Photo: Kerrie Gleeson
