For Lancaster’s A-grade side, with its season on the line, that big moment fell in its favour.
The Wombats lost a four-goal lead in the final two minutes of regulation, as Nagambie forced an overtime period in their Kyabram District League preliminary final.
The extra term could have swung either way, and Nagambie had a four-goal cushion in the first half, but with around 20 seconds on the clock, Lancaster went up one, 55-54.
Nagambie rushed the ball to the goal circle and had a chance to force a second overtime after the siren, but couldn’t sink the shot, sending the Wombats to the decider.
“It was really a tight contest,” co-coach Rhianna Hilton said.
“We got a bit of momentum, and they would get it back but then credit to our girls in the really clutch moments they stood up, stayed composed and converted when it really mattered.”
Now chasing an unlikely flag against a Shepparton East team that hasn’t lost a game for two years, the Wombats’ Hilton and co-coach Jemma Hall are looking inwards.
“It's a team mentality, playing together as a team and everyone playing their role and supporting each other,” Hilton said.
“We'll just keep going in with that team philosophy, and also I think it holds you in good stead for grand finals because for finals you have to play as a team in order to win.”
Lancaster lost by only four goals against the Eagles in the semi-final.
The Wombats will hope taking the difficult road through the finals proves a benefit rather than a disadvantage.
“At the time it would have been nice to get through easy but looking back on it I think the way that we won it actually showed a lot from the girls,” Hilton said.
“They can dig deep, not get overwhelmed in the clutch moments and settle their nerves.
“I think it actually gives them a lot of confidence going into a grand final knowing that with all the noise they can settle and play their game.”
Lancaster’s seniors also got through by a point, and the club’s reserves makes three clubs battling for flags on the final day.
“The support over at the netball was amazing, nothing I’ve seen with a club before,” Hilton said.
“The amount of people that got up and around us meant so much to us girls and very excited to see a big support base there again on Saturday for us, the reserves and the seniors, so it’s a great feeling at the club at the moment.”
Lancaster and Shepparton East will contest the A-grade final from 3pm at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
17°C