By David Ball
Yarra Glen’s A Grade Netball took on Warburton Millgrove in a Preliminary final on Sunday at Woori Yallock.
The Yarra girls started slowly, with a number of early turnovers giving the Warby shooters plenty of supply.
They converted and at quarter time Yarra Glen were down eight to 17.
As the Yarra girls settled into the game, they kept pace with the Rebels in the second but were unable to close the gap.
Warby continued to link up well and their shooters were making their shots count.
While the Yarra girls worked hard the lead stretched out in each of the final two quarters.
Warburton Millgrove won their way into the grand final with a solid 63 to 43 victory.
Yarra Glen’s B Grade faced Belgrave and after an even start Belgrave crept out to a four goal lead at quarter time.
In a physical encounter the Yarra girls kept coming back at Belgrave, with Prue Morse in the centre working overtime.
As the gap would close Belgrave were always able to steady and extend their lead which leapt to 10 at half time.
The second half was an even contest but the Yarra girls were unable to make any headway and the end result was a 56 to 44 win for Belgrave.
Yarra Glen’s C Grade also played Belgrave in their preliminary final.
They got off to a solid start to take a five goal lead into quarter time.
Sarah Orlandi and Alex Bray combined well in goals and the Yarra defenders effected a number of turnovers.
Belgrave lifted in the second quarter and their increased pressure saw Yarra starting to rush passes and turn the ball over.
Belgrave closed to within one goal and half time and maintained their momentum in the third to be three goals up at the last break.
Early in the last Belgrave extended their lead.
The Yarra girls, however, showed great spirit as Lauren Bull and Ash Shanks combined to help lift Yarra’s scoring rate. In an exciting finish Yarra Glen’s defence was outstanding and they moved the ball well and their shooters converted to see Yarra Glen win their way into next week’s grand final with a 29 to 27 victory.
In another clash with Belgrave, Yarra Glen’s D Grade started underdogs but when they took a seven to six lead at quarter time, their opponents could see they had a fight on their hands.
Steph Gibbs and Sam Chetcuti were combining well in goals.
Against a strong set of shooters, Meaghan Carter worked overtime in defence to keep Yarra in the game.
At half time scores were tied at 12 each.
Nothing changed in the second half in a goal for goal thriller.
Just when Belgrave looked like they were getting on top Yarra would fight back. In an exciting last few minutes the Yarra girls kept their composure and in an upset 26 to 24 win, they booked a place in next Saturday’s grand final.
Next Saturday Yarra Glen C and D Grade will play off in the grand finals at Woori Yallock.
