Rupertswood has avenged its semi final loss to Diggers Rest, with victory in the Riddell District Netball League B-grade grand final on Sunday.
The Burras shocked many when they upset the Sharks by one goal in the semi final to go straight through to the grand final, and the Sharks weren’t keen to let it happen twice.
On Sunday, there wasn’t much between the two sides for the first three quarters. After the Burras got a fast break, the Sharks responded and scores were level at quarter and then again half time.
The Sharks led by two goals at the last break.
The experience of the Sharks showed through in the final quarter, outscoring Burras, 11-5, to win 32-24.
Having already had to watch one team come from behind late in the grand final, Sharks coach Di McCormack thought it was deja vu early on when the Burras were 5-1.
“I did panic a little bit in that first quarter,” she said.
“Again, I think it just nerves. They hadn’t lost a game since losing that final against Diggers, but even though they went in relaxed, it was still in their heads, what if?
“Once we got it out of the way and we were level at half time, I don’t think we ever lost control of the game.
“The scores were close, but I felt we had control.”
McCormack said this group of girls really wanted to taste premiership success. It’s the fourth straight year the B-grade side has won the premiership.
“I think they brought a lot of hunger, they wanted it,” she said.
“They’ve talked about it. They had a practice match against Lancefield on Thursday night and they were superb. When the going got tough they could step up and that showed.”
Tayissa Moravski was named best on court, with every player getting onto the court. McCormack said one of her biggest challenges this season was juggling court time, with so many good players.
“That’s the beauty of this team I have so many combos and choices I can run with. In the wing defence position, I have three guns that can play.”
McCormack praised the efforts of Diggers Rest, which had tested them in both the B and C-grade grand finals.
It was the third premiership of the day for the Sharks netballers.
McCormack had special praise for netball coordinator John Lawson and netball registrar Jenny Calvert, who are both stepping down from their roles.
She said they wouldn’t have been able to have any of the success they’d had over the last five years without them.
The club has won 10 premierships in five years since the netball program began at the Sharks.
