UNRELENTING pressure from Ouyen United has delivered an historic four-goal win over a strong Irymple side in the preliminary final at Sarah Oval on Saturday.
The Kangas will now face Wentworth in their first grand final appearance since joining the SFNL in 2016.
It’s an achievement that many – except the players – in the Kanga army and beyond, thought improbable, especially given their straight sets’ exit in last year’s finals’ series after finishing the minor rounds in second position.
But with experienced heads like coach Kyra Nathan, Casey Crothers, Tsharni Burns and Bree Lacey driving this team, a sense of hope has now turned to firm belief.
Despite the windy conditions, that often made shots on the ring from long range high risk, and a fierce Swallows’ defence, goal attack Crothers (31 goals) and shooter Ash Morrish (18 goals), didn’t falter.
The Kangas were a driven force from the first whistle getting out to a three-goal lead at quarter time.
They relentlessly pushed the advantage and went into the last change six goals up.
The Swallows’ attack kept coming hard well into the final quarter, with the accuracy of goal shooter Stephanie O’Laughlan (37 goals) keeping her side in touch.
But with the clock running down the gap couldn’t be closed. Catherine Brown, Crothers, Burns and unsurprisingly, Nathan were all outstanding Bernie Kelly Kangas on a roll in an audacious team effort.
Nathan, a very humble coach but blessed with perspective, spoke with conviction to Sunraysia Daily post-match.
“This win is a big relief and boost for the team and our fans,” Nathan said.
“We didn’t get cushy at any stage and played to win and we never got scared about losing the ball – it’s no good panicking at the start. We played with patience all game and waited for the right pass – our passes were short and sharp.
“The conditions were tough so we made sure that Casey was under the ring when she shot for goal and she didn’t let us down.
“Now we’re in with a good chance – we’re one all against Wentworth and we have two strong teams (in the final) training as one squad.”
Match In A Minute
Ouyen United 49
Irymple 45
GOALS: Ouyen United: C. Crothers 31, A. Morrish 18. Irymple: S. O’Loughlin 37, S. Geister 8.
BEST: Ouyen United: K. Nathan, C. Brown. Irymple: S. Geister, S. Delcastegne
THREE THINGS WE LEARNT
A KEEN OBSERVER: SFNL board member Leanne Boyd watched from courtside and said the game was tight throughout despite the tough conditions. “Ouyen United worked together as a team and handled the pressure of the occasion well,” Boyd said. “I’ve seen their steady improvement in recent years – they have good depth and have now been rewarded for all their hard work.”
KANGAS STAND UP: One experienced netball observer, who preferred to remain anonymous, gave a brief view on the game. “They (Irymple) tried to out-muscle them but Ouyen United stood up to the contest; the win is a credit to coach Kyra Nathan and the whole team.”
GREAT DEPTH: Ouyen United’s B Grade team is also through to the premiership decider after a powerful 17-goal win. Essentially, this means that there will be a heavy focus on selection, which also means that it will be all systems go at training this week.
