IRYMPLE fought back to win a two-goal grand-final cliffhanger over Robinvale Euston to seal the B-grade netball premiership on Saturday.
Swallows coach Belinda Ryan said she was proud of how her junior players remained composed throughout the game, despite the team falling behind several times.
“I’m really proud of them for holding their heads and being able to stick high,” she said.
“It takes a lot of maturity so I’m really proud of them.”
Eagles captain Jane Aikman said it was disappointing to lose such a close game.
“We put in a really big effort but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to get us over the line today,” she said.
“Irymple, to their credit, played really really well. They’re deserving winners.”
The Eagles had started off as the stronger side, maintaining their lead with smart passing and accurate shooting.
But Irymple hung tough, finishing only one goal behind Robinvale Euston at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw the score even out. Irymple’s defensive height allowed them to take possession of some of Robinvale Euston’s missed shots, securing a four-point lead at the half-time buzzer.
The third quarter was where the Eagles took control of the game again, scoring five of the first six goals.
But Irymple hit back with slick passes from the centre to see the third quarter ended at 27 apiece.
Ryan said it was amazing that the girls kept fighting to get ahead of Robinvale Euston.
“That’s what takes discipline and maturity,” she said.
“So for them to not drop their heads, and to win by two, is absolutely amazing.”
The last 15 minutes of the game was where Irymple shone.
Star shooter Tarlia Couzner scored the first goal of the final quarter after three intense turnovers.
The defence on both ends worked extra hard to intercept and deflect.
Ryan praised her team’s GK, Lily Droffler, saying she was a key player with her interceptions.
Jade Benham starred for the Eagles at GK, using her height to pull down a number of rebounds and pressure the attacking side.
In the final five minutes the Eagles had the opportunity to draw the game, but a contact in their attacking ring stopped this, allowing it to fall back to Irymple.
Couzner extended the lead to two goals.
A huge distance goal from Eagles GA Sarah McMonnies closed the gap to one and a key mid-court intercept saw the Eagles get another chance to draw the game.
A missed goal, however, meant it return to the Swallows’ ring, where Couzner scored another goal right before the final buzzer, defeating the Eagles 34-32.
Ryan said she was proud of how the team performed.
“I am just so pleased with them,” she said.
“We have some really good talent coming up through our juniors.”
Irymple’s WA Tammie Rowe was awarded best on court, thanks to her fast intercepts and key plays.
