The stakes were high at the Bairnsdale City Oval on Sunday for the elimination final, with season ending for seven netball sides in the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
All matches were hard fought, with one decided by just a goal in extra time, with several other not decided too late in the final quarter.
In the “A” grade match, last year’s runner-up, Boisdale Briagolong got off to a good start and managed to hold off a gallant Lindenow, who have been the competition’s big improver for season 2026.
The Bombers had all the answers late, setting up a tantalising rematch with arch rival, Stratford, who they have shared two draws with this season.
Ash McDonough, Zara Flynn and Ciara Fitt were pivotal for the winners, with defender Renee Barry and hard running centre, Ash Forehan again leading from the front for the gallant Cats.
Disappointment for Lindenow but they have again showed under the leadership of Yvonne Porter that their program is on the rise.
In “B” grade, Boisdale Briagolong was victorious over Stratford, 33-25, in a match that many expected would be closer.
The Bombers, with Lindsay Coridas and Emily Porter leading from the front, proved too good for their cross river rivals.
Camryn Roberts and Nellie Hunt battled the game out to the end for the Swans.
The “C” grade match looked like a toss of the coin on paper and it panned out that way, with Wy Yung managing to be in front by two over Stratford, 37-35, when the umpires called a halt to proceedings.
Caitlin Woodward was best on court for the Tigers, ably supported by Prudence Wyndham-Martin and Nikita Hayes.
Youngster, Mikayla Pendrick continued her great season with a sublime performance for the Swans, well backed up by Kim Albrecht.
The nail bitter was in “D” grade, with extra time required to separate Wy Yung and Lindenow, after they were all tied up the first time a halt was called to proceedings.
The Tigers managed to edge ahead at the right time in extra time, winners by just two, 37-36.
Former Swan Reach shooter, Barbie Dobson and league best and fairest runner-up, Lorren Cole played important roles for the winners, with Lara Benton and Jayde Grace just as important for the Cats.
The easiest winners of the day were Stratford in the 17 and under match, establishing an early advantage, they ran out 41-26 winners.
Dakota Stone, Keira McNicol and Pendrick were all in sensational form for the Swans, with Amy Jewitt and Tanika Krambehr working hard for Lindenow to little avail.
Wy Yung was successful in the 15 and under contest over a courageous Stratford unit, 41-36.
Indi Cavanagh and Raiven Cole were in good form for the Tigers against a Swans outfit that fought the contest right to the end.
Piper Wilson, Chani Aust and Chelsea Hanna all showed plenty of ability for Stratford.
The Swans held off Lakes Entrance in the 13 and under competition, 24-18.
The Seagulls played their best netball in the final quarter but by then the lead was too great to peg back.
Paygen Bates, Scarlett Pini, and Mahlia Bradley led the way for the winners, with Sadie Williams, Kenya Connally, and Millie Stewart all showing plenty of promise for Lakes Entrance.
For the losers on the day its time to reflect on a good season that didn’t turn out to be great but for the winners there is still hopes and dreams to chase in the next fortnight.
