Ladder leader, Omeo Benambra, sealed victory against Swan Reach last Saturday in the Omeo District Football Netball League “A” grade grand final at Swan Reach, capping off a stellar season.
The loss left the Swans with a sense of history repeating itself, after going down to the Alpine Ranges by nine goals in the qualifying final.
The first quarter was a tight and torrid one, with Swan Reach getting a break early to have the advantage.
It didn’t last long however, with the Ranges quickly shaking off the nerves and levelling the scores.
Lobs and long passes were a no-go, with the strong winds easily picking the ball up.
The strong pressure from the Swan Reach goal defenders proved a challenge for tall Ranges goal shooter, Emma Bates, while the work from the Swans’ mid-court players quickly got the ball down their end.
With the scores level going into the second quarter, both sides battled hard for control of the ball, with the match becoming increasingly physical.
Swan Reach wing defender, Melissa Cantrill, kept the pressure on with her fast feet and strong passing down the court.
However, it was the Ranges that broke the deadlock, with Bates finding her rhythm in the ring despite the efforts of the defenders.
The cracks began to show for Swan Reach, with small mistakes allowing the Ranges to storm ahead to lead by 10 goals by half time.
Swan Reach was forced play catch-up as the third quarter began, but bad passing continued to cause headaches for the Swans.
The difference remained the same as the match went into three quarter time, the Ranges ahead by 10.
As the final quarter began, Swan Reach continued to apply pressure down the court, however it was a case of too little too late, with the 10-goal margin difficult to break, the Ranges coming home with the win.
Swan Reach’s Melissa Cantrill was named player of the match for her defensive work in the mid-court.
Final score: Omeo-Benambra 41 d Swan Reach 31.
