Goulburn Valley League under-17 premier Echuca.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Echuca timed its run to perfection in the 17-and-under netball grand final.
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It took the Murray Bombers the full four quarters to crack Shepparton’s steely resolve on Goulburn Valley League grand final day, but they finally broke free midway through the final stanza to waltz to a seven-goal win.
It’s Echuca’s first flag in the age bracket since 2022 and coach Kylie Coutts said her talented youngsters had taken their moments.
“We played Shepparton twice and it's been close either time,” Coutts said.
“The bonus is you get every second centre pass, so it's about making sure the girls stay in the moment and chip away at it.
“We were up, they were up, but we came back and got the win.
“We’ve had that that squad all year, so whatever we put on court, we knew could do the job.
“Credit to all the girls, I think it was only Sarah that didn't step on being an under-15, but Hannah and Kate were doing a great job in goals.”
The margin rarely drifting beyond two goals at every break underlined the even nature of a thrilling grand final.
Each backcourt made vital early intercepts to leave honours even at 11 apiece at quarter-time, with Bears centre Scarlet Byers providing the drive through the centre third.
The Murray Bombers goal-ring proved dangerous with goal shooter Hannah Downward laser-like and Kate Head working well as tall options.
Their accuracy on goal allowed Echuca to open a four-goal lead, but Shepparton defenders Frankie Ewart and Ellie Sidebottom’s repelling efforts allowed the Bears to move quickly down the court to Penny Mason, who was on song on goal to make the margin only one at the main break.
The Bears immediately went to work reversing their fortunes, playing out of their skin to kickstart the second half and turn a 26-25 deficit into a 29-27 lead.
But as soon as Shepparton took the lead, the Murray Bombers went to work executing a six-goal turnaround.
Echuca led by three heading into the final term – and it was a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
The green and white pressure soared as Shepparton worked hard to make up ground, but to no avail.
The Murray Bombers sealed a 49-42 win, their 13th straight, with Downward firing off 36 goals and the work through the middle of Indi Kervin and Jaz Milligan proving pivotal.
Shepparton was well served by Mason (29 goals), Byers, and the Bears’ backcourt of Sidebottom and Ewart.
But one player stood out above the rest, with Echuca’s Kate Head judged best-on-court.
“Kate's an amazing player,” Coutts said.
“She played a lot of A-grade this year as well as 17s and played a lot of representative netball.
“It's not just her attacking prowess at goal attack, but her defensive work coming out of transition is second to none.
“She’s just cool, calm, collected – nothing seems to faze her.
“I sort of refer to her as the smiling assassin. Deep down, she would be feeling all the emotions, but she doesn't allow you to see that on her face on court, which is an amazing attribute.”
With the 17-and-under triumph the second netball flag heading back to the border following the 15-and-under victory, it seems the future of Echuca netball is in good hands.
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