On the attack: Yarroweyah's Melissa Molloy and Aften Westrope work the ball inside the goal ring against Picola United. Photo: Yarroweyah Football Netball club
It has been a long time between drinks for Yarroweyah’s netballers, but the Hoppers are once again sipping from the cup of victory for the first time since 2019.
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It had been 1436 days since Yarroweyah’s last A-grade netball victory in the Picola and District League, but the almost four-year drought came to an end on Saturday after the Hoppers claimed an “emotional” win.
The Hoppers defeated Picola United 42-38 in front of a boisterous home crowd at Yarroweyah Recreation Reserve, much to the delight of coach Rebekah Jones.
“We have put in a lot of work behind the scenes to make it happen, that is for sure,” Jones said.
“Last year as a club we couldn’t field more than two netball senior teams. This year we have four full teams and three of our senior netball sides came away with the win on the weekend.
“It is very emotional. I was emotional after the game, it gave me goosebumps.
“I looked around and saw all these spectators who have been around the club forever and finally get to see Yarroweyah coming back and have life again. It was very special.”
Jubilation: Yarroweyah's Rebekah Jones and Ireland Letson celebrate after the Hoppers won their first A-grade game in almost four years. Photo: Yarroweyah Football Netball club
It was a tight contest from start to finish, with the Hoppers taking on a United side that reached the preliminary final last season.
The two teams went goal-for-goal in the first half, but Yarroweyah was eventually able to edge away after the break and seal a four-goal triumph.
Jones said it was an intense final few minutes to close out the last quarter, adding she was glad to hear the final hooter sound.
“I was relieved, extremely relieved,” Jones said.
“Everyone was yelling, the spectators were cheering us on. Our team stayed positive and we kept our heads high.
“We have a very mature team so we can go out there and not get overwhelmed. We went back to basics, we slowed the game down and we played our style.
“I know this year we have a very good team and we are going to get several wins throughout the year, that’s for sure. But just seeing all the hard work pay off and knowing the potential the team has and putting it together to come away with the win, I am relieved and excited for what is to come this season.
“When teams come to play Yarroweyah they think, ‘we have an easy win in the bag this week’. We want to show people that thinking is wrong and that we are back to make finals and be competitive in finals.”
Yarroweyah’s best-on prize went to Aften Westrope, with Rebeka Denham the second best for the Hoppers.
Elsewhere, last season’s minor premiers Strathmerton opened the season with an impressive 50-32 victory over Jerilderie.
Rennie and Mathoura were also big winners, defeating Blighty and Katamatite 50-19 and 60-21 respectively.
Deni toppled Waaia 41-38, Katandra defeated Berrigan 52-32 and Tungamah and Katunga played out a 31-31 draw.
