Reaching out: Shepparton United’s Jessie Barnes catches the ball under Casey Adamson pressure. Photos: Zac Standish
Photo by
Zac Standish
Shepparton United is the first team through to the 2022 Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball grand final after toppling minor premier Seymour in a gripping first semi-final at Mansfield Recreation Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
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Facing a Lions line-up littered with stars, a complete team effort was the catalyst for United’s 51-47 triumph, with the experience of coach Kara Blizzard and star shooter Jessie Barnes perfectly complementing the youth of Sophie Garner, Olivia Kirby and Grace McInneny.
Proud coach: Shepparton United’s Kara Blizzard cannot wait for another chance at grand final glory.
Photo by
Zac Standish
And with the lead constantly changing and the margin never venturing past six goals, it was that camaraderie that ensured the Demons came away with the win as they continue to peak at the right time of year.
With a fantastic opportunity to win a first A-grade premiership since 2014, Shepparton United coach Kara Blizzard was brimming with joy after the victory.
Strong hands: Seymour coach Ellie O'Sullivan.
Photo by
Zac Standish
“I am in so much shock. I cannot believe it, to be honest, and am at a complete loss for words,” Blizzard said.
“I am super proud of the way the girls went about it today, we just tried to not focus on the end result and just attack the game quarter by quarter.
“And I thought as the game went on we got better and better, which shows the girls have really combined well and everyone played their part in securing the win.”
Stepping up: Shepparton United defender Grace McInneny.
Photo by
Zac Standish
With a 24-goal loss to the Demons from a fortnight ago still fresh on its mind, Seymour started the game in ruthless fashion, converting the first four goals to get a crucial early break.
But as all good sides do, United was quick to respond, and it was the combination of Blizzard and Barnes in the attack end that helped the side settle and trim back the deficit — locking up the scores 12-apiece at the first change.
The see-sawing nature of the battle continued into the second term, with both teams’ attack ends cashing in as a result of some slick ball movement.
Tough battle: Seymour’s Sarah Szczykulski and United’s Jessie Barnes jostle for position.
Photo by
Zac Standish
But without stalwart Nakita Singe partnering skipper Sarah Szczykulski in the Lions’ defensive circle, the class of Barnes managed to reign supreme in the shadows of half-time, helping United take a slight two-goal advantage into the main change.
“We did make a lot of mistakes today, especially early, but it shows the determination of our group to stick at it and get the game back in our control,” Blizzard said of her team’s efforts in the first half.
Milestone girl: United’s Tayla Clohesy brought up her 150th game in the win on Saturday.
Photo by
Zac Standish
“In defence, Grace (McInneny) and Olivia (Kirby) were huge, forcing a lot of important turnovers which allowed us those vital opportunities up in attack.”
Some key tactical shifts from Seymour coach Ellie O’Sullivan helped the Lions spring to life early in the third term, with Casey Adamson’s move back to the mid court helping them re-take the lead.
Ball in hand: Seymour’s Ellie O'Sullivan.
Photo by
Zac Standish
But that is where the patience of United came to the fore, as it absorbed the pressure before mounting another charge of its own to swing the scoreboard back in its favour and take a three-goal lead into three-quarter time.
With just 15 minutes separating the two teams from a ticket to the big dance, intensity reached fever pitch as the experience of United began to take control and it extended its lead to six.
Pass me the ball: Shepparton United goaler Jessie Barnes.
Photo by
Zac Standish
But just as it seemed United was destined for Deakin, Seymour mounted one last charge, closing back to within two to set up a grandstand finish.
Barnes once again stood up for her team, converting some crucial goals late to hold on to the lead and secure a grand final berth.
And after United fell short in the most recent GVL A-grade decider in 2019 and having a chance at glory cruelly taken away from it due to COVID-19 in 2021, Blizzard said she was incredibly excited for the opportunity to finally play in another grand final.
“For us, this has very much been a new year where we’ve had to work on new things after the inconsistencies of COVID-19 and things,” she said.
“This is a new group and we’ve had lots of challenges along the way, so for us to rise above and be in this position now, we just cannot wait for the opportunity to play in a grand final.”
On Sunday afternoon, Mooroopna was back to its devastating best, easily accounting for Euroa 50-32 in the second semi-final.
Like a well-oiled machine, the Cats were clinical from the opening whistle, leaving a gallant Magpies side in their wake to romp through to the preliminary final.
“It feels really good (to put together such a solid performance) and know we get to play again next week,” Mooroopna coach Di Hanslow said.
“Our focus was to go out there, execute our strategies and just play our netball and I felt we did that, which was very pleasing.”
Dayna Williams was the star in attack, forming a devastating partnership with Elle Brooks around the goals to see the Cats to 50 goals, while Madison Wong and Ella Ogier were consistent performers in defence.
Mooroopna now faces Seymour at Deakin Reserve next Sunday in a tantalising preliminary final.
