With the new netball courts finished, it was great to have Healesville netballers playing back at home with the footballers as they finished off the home and away season with all side
taking on Gembrook up at Don Road Complex.
First up was the U18 boys and with a finals spot booked already but a second chance in finals out of reach now the boys were looking to finish of their home and away season in style and go into the finals campaign with confidence.
From the first bounce, the boys were well and truly switched on taking control of the game in the first half.
Score at the main break was Healesville 6.5.41 Gembrook 1.4.10.
In the third quarter, the Brookers started to turn the trend of the game around outscoring Healesville 2.2 to 1.3 but going into the last it still Healesville with a handy 26-point lead.
In the last quarter, the local lads were back on track dominating the final term putting on four unanswered goals for a comfortable win.
Final score: Healesville 11.12.78 to Gembrook 3.8.26.
Best for Healesville: J.Barclay, E.Yates, L.Frazzetto, A.Crossman, C.Bradford, D.Sikorski.
Following on from the U18s. Healesville’s ever-resilient Reserves team were looking to finish off their season on a high note.
This week, they put the call out to get a few more senior players to top Healesville Reserves so as to give Healesville U18s a break and be in the best shape they can going into the finals series.
Although probably a bit under done as far as preparation goes (with a few playing their first game for season) on paper it was a strong looking twos side.
First quarter was a closely contested affair with both sides putting on two majors, and at first break, it was Gembrook with just a one-point lead.
In the second quarter, it was Gembrook that started to control the game putting on three goals to Healesville one, and at main break, it was Gembrook 5.5.35 to Healesville 3.2.20.
In the third quarter, it was back to a real arm wrestle and despite Healesville having four scoring shots to Gembrook’s two, neither side scored a major, and going into the last, the visitors lead was reduce to 13 points.
Unfortunately for Healesville, and despite a massive effort by all, the home side just ran out of legs and in the end, it was Gembrook 8.9.57 to Healesville 3.6.24.
Despite not winning a game all season, they played with effort and pride week after week and the club couldn’t be prouder and are eternally grateful for their commitment especially to all the U18 boys that helped every week.
Best for Healesville: H.Watkins, M,Renouf, R.Hay, J.Methven, L.English, T.Sund.
Over to the netball, Healesville’s ever-resilient B Grade team took to the court for the last time this season.
Despite it being yet another tough day for this amazing group, they finished off their season in the same way they have played it all year.
They had fun, never gave in and fought it out to the very end.
The club couldn’t be prouder of the way this group have gone about everything this season.
Well done girls.
Next up was the A grade who took to the court looking to finish off their season on a high note.
The first half was the Healesville lineup that took control of the game winning every quarter, and at the main break, it was Healesville 32 Gembrook 25.
In the third quarter, the Healesville ladies came out firing putting on nine unanswered goals in the first five minutes of the term to take complete control of the game.
Going into the last, it was Healesville 50 Gembrook 30.
In the last quarter, the game was even up again but the damage was already done and was the home side coming out on top to finish of their season in great style.
Final score: Healesville 66 Gembrook 45.
Well done on great season ladies.
It was a big step up for Premier Division for this team and you have proven to yourselves and everyone that you well and truly belong in the top competition, and we look forward to building on this next season.
Best for Healesville: K.Ryan, J.Harris, A.Stanley.
On to the last game of the day, this was a must win for Healesville Senior boys so as to secure a finals berth without relying on results of other games.
In the first quarter, it was the visitors with first four scoring shots of the game, but it was Healesville with the first major before Gembrook got their radar working with the next two majors to lead at first break 2.5.17 to Healesville 1.1.7.
In the second quarter, it was Healesville boys with twice the shots on goal as their opponents, but inaccuracy meant it was all tied up at the main break Healesville 6.6.42 Gembrook 6.6.42. The third quarter was an arm wrestle with Healesville just getting their nose in front late into the quarter before Gembrook scored two goals well and truly into extra time in the quarter to lead going into the last 10.10.70 to 9.7.61.
At the 14 minute mark of the last, it was still Gembrook with nose in front by seven points.
With their season potentially on the line, the local boys dug deep and played some intense composed football to control the last 10 minutes of the game having the last six scoring shots and eventually getting over the line and securing their spot in the final 5.
Final score: Healesville 13.13.92 Gembrook 112.10.82.
Best for Healesville M.Donegan, N.Mende, C.Frazzetto, A.Rouse, P.Murray, D.Plozza.
Next week the finals campaign begins with Healesville U18 taking on Olinda and Healesville Seniors to take on Monbulk with both these games being elimination finals.
Both games are on next Sunday at Yarra Junction.
