The undefeated Bruthen triumphed against Swan Reach in the Omeo District Football Netball under 17s grand final, coming out on top by 15 goals last Saturday at Swan Reach.
In blustery conditions, it was a tentative first quarter for both teams, with nerves causing numerous mistakes and rushed passes, however it was Swan Reach that drew first blood.
Despite the shaky start, the young Bulldogs shook off their nerves to catch up and level with the Swans after some impressive rebounding from Bruthen’s defenders Tiah Hood and Charlotte Butta.
The score remained low throughout the first quarter, with the ball struggling to make it out of the centre third due to contacts and rushed passing from both teams.
Finally, Bruthen got the advantage and managed to open up a slim two-goal lead.
In the second quarter Bruthen was beginning to settle into a rhythm, but Swan Reach never gave up its defensive pressure.
The accurate shooting from Bruthen’s Leah Calvert and Sophie Kennedy, who couldn’t seem to miss, allowed the Bulldogs to lead by four goals at half time.
Bruthen continued its goal frenzy while Swan Reach struggled to feed the ball to its own ring, with penalties for footwork giving the Bulldogs the opportunity to quickly convert to extend their lead to 10 goals by the end of the third quarter.
By the time the final siren rang, Bruthen had taken its lead to 15, sealing victory.
Bruthen’s Isla Taylor was named best on court for her hard work in the mid-court.
Final score: Bruthen 30 d Swan Reach 15.
