By David Ball
Whilst the Yarra Glen footballers had the bye which effectively ended their season, the netball girls headed to Berwick for their round 21 clashes with Berwick Springs.
In A grade, Yarra Glen faced up against second-placed Berwick. After a competitive first quarter, Berwick Springs stifled Yarra Glen’s forward thrusts with excellent defence. At the other end, Berwick Springs was super efficient and ran all over Yarra Glen in the last quarter to run out an easy winner, Yarra Glen 12 to Berwick Sprngs 49. A grade will now take on Emerald in the first Semi Final on Saturday.
Best for Yarra Glen were Jacqui Hibberd, Chelsea Birchall and Peta Fay.
In B Grade Yarra Glen got off to a slow start to be seven goals down at quarter time. They regained their composure in the second to outscore Berwick Springs to get back into the game. After a tight third quarter, Berwick Springs lifted in the last to run away convincing winners. Yarra Glen 28 to Berwick Springs 47. B Grade will take on Belgrave next week in the first Semi-Final.
Best for Yarra Glen were Kim Williams, Kali Fraser and Gemma Ryan.
C Grade faced a higher-placed Berwick Springs side but played some great netball in the first quarter to be only two goals down. Berwick Springs outplayed them in the second and third quarters before the Yarra Glen girls put in an improved effort in the last, finally going down, Yarra Glen 25 to Berwick Springs 43. Best for Yarra Glen were Ashley Shanks, Kali Fraser and Michele Young.
The day didn’t start well for the D Grade team facing the top side. They were down 11 to 2 at quarter time and whilst Yarra Glen put in a good second quarter, scoring five goals, they were overpowered
in the second half, facing some excellent goal shooting from much taller opponents. The final score was Yarra Glen 11 to Berwick Springs 43.
Best for Yarra Glen were Rose Morris, Ellie Symes and Chantelle Farley.
