Stanhope’s C-grade Kyabram District League netball premiership team built on last year’s tradition of stopping in a canola field en-route to the clubrooms with the cup and their medals.
A series of spectacular second-half intercepts by experienced Stanhope defender Bianca Atley was the catalyst of back-to-back Kyabram District League premiership wins for the club’s C-grade team.
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Atley was named best on court in the five-goal win after a six-goal first quarter lead was cancelled out when Murchison-Toolamba responded with a 16-10 second quarter of its own.
Katie Said made it obvious who she was supporting as her sister, Stephanie, lined up in Saturday’s C-grade grand final.
With Stephanie Said as her defensive partner for the entire game, Atley helped Stanhope to a 16-11 second half and a 39-34 victory.
While the defenders were vital to the result, a 12-goal opening term from Hayley Trevena (28 for the game) and the mid-court work of captain Kara Canny and coach Amanda Gledhill were vital to the final result.
Emily Berner was among a number of young plackard carrying Lions in the crowd who were in full voice during a tense C-grade grand final.
Bella Davis shared the key mid-court role with Canny, while Zarlee Harris and Emma Murfitt interchanged at wing defence to provide an outlet pass for the key defenders.
– Matilda Schubach had an immediate impact on the 17 & Under grand final when she came onto the court in the third term for Stanhope.
Merrigum A grade coach Maddy Wilson was in full voice supporting the Bulldogs 17 & Under team in its grand final on Saturday.
At half time just one goal separated Stanhope and Merrigum, the latter who finished the season on top of the ladder and won straight through to the grand final.
Schubach watched on as Charli Miller worked in tandem with Isabella Pate in goals, but contributed strongly to a second half which saw Stanhope score 24 goals to 10.
Isabella Pate and Matilda Schubach exchange a high five as they score on of their 13 final quarter goals.
Pate finished the game by shooting eight of her 18 goals in the final term as defenders Ava Turner and Sophie Joyce took control of their opposition.
For Merrigum Hollie Saywell shot 14 first half goals to keep her side within one of its opposition, while Alyssa Christou was the standout mid-court player and Zeenat Ishola held the defence together.
Stanhope co-captains Tia Harrison and the athletic Charlotte Grealy were the difference with their speed and sure hands in a second half which saw Stanhope cruise to its 43-28 win.
Stanhope C-grade coach Amanda Gledhill (left) and captain Kara Canny with the spoils of victory.
C-grade best on court Bianca Atley gives an example of her brilliant interception play in the grand final.
Merrigum defender Zeenat Ishola keeps Stanhope goaler Matilda Schubach in her sights during the 17 & Under grand final.
