Minor premier, Lucknow is through to the grand final of the East Gippsland Football Netball League “A” grade competition, scoring a hard fought 10-goal win in the qualifying final over reigning premier, Stratford last Saturday at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve.
The pressure was right on the Magpies for a couple of reasons as they took the court; firstly they had to deal with a couple of years of below par performances in finals matches, after dominating the home and away competition; secondly, the Magpies had seven sides in the action on the day, and the first six had been defeated.
But the planets aligned for Erica Lynch’s squad on Saturday, scoring a come-from-behind victory against a quality opponent.
Not only did the Magpies give the Swans a start, their last quarter was clearly the best of the contest, ramming home the advantage in style.
League best and fairest winner Hayley Escudero was again instrumental in the victory, well supported by the dynamic Lynch and Anna Lisa Short in goals.
Sierra Cook and Tori Patterson were standouts for the gallant Swans, who will look to bounce back this week against arch rival Boisdale Briagolong.
In “B” grade, Wy Yung claimed the scalp of minor premier, Lucknow by eight goals, 31-23.
Samy Churches and Jazz Anstee led the Tigers’ charge against the Lucknow line-up that was best served by league best and fairest winner Tegan Benedetti, Stacey Ashley and Jemma Wilkinson.
The match of the day and probably the year was in “C” grade, where Boisdale Briagolong prevailed in double overtime, 39-37 over another Magpies side that finished the home and away season on top of the table.
Disbelief at the end of the first lot of extra time, when the scores were still all locked together.
Ella Osborn and Bella Forsyth were prominent in the marathon for the Bombers, while Ashley, Stacey Murphy and Michalla Ablett all battled hard for the Magpies.
The unbeaten Bombers continued their perfect run in “D” grade, too strong in the second half against Lucknow, victorious 33-20.
League best and fairest winner, Shelby Hardeman was best on court, well supported by Emily Dessent.
Nikeisha Cook, Maddi Fox and Shannon Anderson toughed it out strongly for the Magpies.
Orbost Snowy Rovers’ good weekend continued on the netball courts, with their 17 and under, and 15 and under sides going straight through to the grand final.
Both games were cracking encounters that could have gone either way in the final minutes.
Orbost took the 17 and under, 30-28, with league best and fairest winner, Lara Seal continuing her great season with a best on court performance, well backed up by Remmi MacDonnell and Makayla Edlington.
Heidi Trinder, and Siobhan Duffy impressed for a gallant Lucknow.
The 15 and under result was the upset of the day, with the unbeaten Magpies suffering their first defeat of the season, 21-19.
Gemma Geer, Leila Barnes and Hayley Barnes masterminded the fabulous victory, with Claire Bryan and Anna Watts giving their all for the Magpies in a classic match.
The unbeaten Wy Yung scored the easiest win of the day in the 13 and under match, much too good for Lucknow, 41-20.
Ellen Hill, Pippa Booth and Aster Cole all starred for the Tigers, with Lara Pendergast and Bonnie Anderson among the best for the Magpies.
The beauty of a qualifying final day is that the winners advance to the big dance, but the losers get another chance, a shot at redemption.
