L-G drops B-grade final to Huntly in unusual circumstances

By Matthew Kappos

Sep 8, 2024

There was an unexpected ending to the hotly contested Heathcote District League B-Grade netball final between Leitchville-Gunbower and Huntly.

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With the scores level and only a few minutes remaining, the umpire ruled to remove a Bombers player from the court, the ruling resulted in L-G being at a big disadvantage in the final possessions.

Missing a defender in the goal circle, the Bombers were unable to mount a significant defence of their goal and while they were able to keep scores level through goals of their own for a time, eventually the Hawks denied the L-G goalers and took the title 41-38.

Leitchville Gunbower’s Jodie Lake and Huntly’s Jema Baker scramble after a missed shot. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Earlier the two sides had engaged in a spirited affair, with minor premiers L-G facing a significant challenge from Huntly.

The Bombers led 9-8 after a quarter of play, but the Hawks turned things around to earn a one-point lead of their own at halftime.

Katie Pollock gathers a nifty bounce pass from her teammate. Photo by Matthew Kappos

L-G made inroads in quarter three to snatch a three-goal buffer ahead of the final period, but Huntly was able to surge late to level the scores before the final sequence of the game.

By Matthew Kappos

Cadet sports journalist