Omeo Benambra’s golden Omeo District “A” grade netball run continued with a third successive premiership last Saturday.
The Ranges were victorious over fellow High Country combatant Swifts Creek, who provided plenty of fight before falling 51-30.
Despite the 21-goal margin, the Demons were far from disgraced in their first “A” grade decider in 14 seasons.
Ultimately, Omeo Benambra’s grand final experience paid dividends. The Ranges overran the Demons with a dominant second half, displaying greater composure and cleaner ball movement when it counted.
Remarkably, the Ranges’ third straight premiership coincided with the team’s 43rd consecutive victory.
The match opened with plenty of turnovers as Swifts Creek asserted itself physically from the outset, proving it wouldn’t be intimidated on the big stage.
While the Ranges were far from free-flowing early, they managed to build a five-goal cushion by quarter time.
The battle intensified during the second term.
The Demons continued to apply heavy physical pressure, backed by a vocal crowd, but Omeo held firm to keep control, extending the margin to seven at the main break.
It was increasingly clear that the Ranges could absorb Swifts Creek’s best shot. As the Demons began to tire in the second half, Omeo gradually pulled away and were never threatened on the scoreboard.
Defender and Ranges captain Sophie AhSam was awarded the best-on-court trophy. She was well supported in defence by Emma Pahl, while Natalie Mitchell and Martine Plowman controlled the midcourt, and shooters Indi AhSam and Emma Bates finished off the work in the ring.
Lydia Overend gave everything for the Demons, shooter Lily McCole was consistent under pressure, and defender Matilda Sheeran provided relentless contest.
FINAL SCORE
Omeo Benambra 51 d Swifts Creek 30.
Best-on-court: Sophie AhSam, Omeo Benambra.
