The Bendigo Bank EFNL Netball season is over, but it didn’t go out without a bang, with two major upsets and a series of nail-biting deciders greeting onlookers at H.E Parker on Friday Night.
Section One
East Burwood Black 53 def by East Ringwood Black 55
In one of the biggest shocks in the Section One competition, the team that seemed unbeatable were finally felled in the last game of the season, with minor premiers East Burwood Black defeated in an amazing match against East Ringwood Black on Friday Night.
If any team was going to do it, it was going to be East Ringwood Black, who had drawn with East Burwood Black during the season, but regardless, the Roos came into the game as severe underdogs, such has been East Burwood Black’s dominance for the entire Section One season.
Emily Salmon was the star in front of goals for East Ringwood Black shooting 32 goals as she and her side ran out shock winners, with Salmon also awarded the Blue-Ribbon Medal for best on court.
Section Two
Vermont Eagles Gold 19 def by Coldstream Grey 23
Having previously played each other a fortnight prior with Vermont Eagles Gold winning in a major upset, a juicy Section Two Grand Final loomed between the well-rested Eagles and the vengeful Cougars.
It was hard to call Coldstream Grey the underdogs despite having to go the long way round, and the game played up to that hotly contested billing.
In a close affair, the minor premiers Coldstream Grey dug deep and defeated Vermont Eagles Gold by four goals in a wonderful grand final, with dynamic goaler Tarsha Collette the hero for Coldstream Grey with her 14 goals enough to see her awarded the Blue-Ribbon Medal for best on court, as her Cougars completed the double.
Section Three
The Basin Cubs 26 def by East Ringwood Blue 32
Another major upset occurred to finish off what has been a whirlwind of a season in Section Three, as East Ringwood came from third to win its second Netball Premiership of the night.
East Ringwood Blue had to do it the hard way playing in elimination matches throughout their finals campaign, knocking out the Minor Premiers Lilydale the Friday before.
However, against a team full of confidence in The Basin Cubs who had defeated East Ringwood Blue in their two previous outings, it was another uphill battle for the Roos to claim the Premiership.
East Ringwood Blue brought the heat from the get-go and were too much for The Basin Cubs defence throughout the entire match, winning by six goals in a special victory.
East Ringwood Blue’s Emily Hine was the star for the victors with her intercepting and attacking game playing Wing Defence and Attack, and she was awarded the Blue-Ribbon Medal for her efforts.
Section 4
Nunawading Lions Gold 31 def Park Orchards Black 19
Coming in as the favourites and with a timely week off to rest the legs. Nunawading Lions Gold kept things rolling, winning in style against a gallant Park Orchards Black – bucking the trend of tense Grand Finals across Friday Night.
Both sides played each other in the Second Semi Final and the Sharks smelt revenge, however, it was not meant to be. Rebekah Breukers was fantastic in front of goals with 21 goals, but it was Ashleigh Clifford who never stopped running for the Lions and setting up opportunities for her teammates who was awarded the Blue-Ribbon Medal for best on court, as Nunawading celebrated success.