Goulburn Valley League Open netballers set up interleague double with thrilling win

With the bench size reduced from five to two and no training sessions or opportunities to build chemistry, nobody really knew what to expect from the GVL contingent — including members of the squad.

The contest started inauspiciously, with early concerns that the visitors might just go on and complete the netball sweep after all.

GVL co-coach Ellie Warnock, who started on the bench, inserted herself as the keeper in the second term, freeing 2023 best-on-court recipient Sarah Szczykulski to work up the court as goal defence.

As ever, Szczykulski’s one-out efforts in the defensive circle were pivotal against top opposition, allowing the tide to turn from the back as the GVL found itself up at a quarter break for the first time all day.

It was hardly all the host’s way, with the O&M swiftly reclaiming advantage during a third term that had hurt the two earlier GVL sides as well.

Coming from behind was no issue for the Open contingent, though, riding the barnstorming goaling efforts of Ellie Fuhrmeister to surge early in the final term and hold out to claim a valuable 45-40 win.

The result not only saved face in grand fashion for the GVL, but set up a memorable top-level double on the day as the senior footballers soon saluted.

Non-playing GVL coach Rachel Whipp happily mused over her side’s ability to gel.

“Ellie and I are extremely proud of the girls in the way they came out and clicked together,” Whipp said.

“They’re all experienced in playing VNL as well, so that experience shone through in putting our game together.

“We had a few combinations who play together with their clubs, so that was an added help.

“We had a couple of girls injured during the week and one who was ill, but they’ll all be back for the association titles next month.”

Whipp said the result further affirmed not just the power of the league, but the special environment that came with representing it.

“The GVL’s very strong at the moment and it’s a credit to the girls who have put their hands up to play,” Whipp said.

“We’re very lucky that the girls who played today have committed to representing the league.

“It’s something that all players should strive to do.”

Euroa’s Kellie Davidson took out best-on-court honours and Whipp had plenty of praise for the starting centre’s efforts.

“Kellie played a beautiful, steady game and came into it when required,” Whipp said.

“She was a strong leader on the court who stepped up in the times where we needed players to do that.

“She took the game on, as did all the girls. All our defenders did their jobs beautifully and gave us the chance to feed our shooters.”

As for Davidson herself, it appeared the last thing she expected was a best-on award in speaking post-match.

“I was very surprised. It was a privilege to be asked to play in the GVL side and I thought all my teammates were amazing today,” Davidson said.

“I’m very honoured and grateful, but it was a big surprise to be named best-on.

“I met most of the team today as I arrived. There were a few connections from our Saturday teams on the court, but I think we really had to learn how we play together and build on that.

“That last quarter was great when we could put it together. We weren’t afraid to communicate and tell each other what we needed.”

Davidson had arguably the best seat in the house to a back-and-forth contest that epitomised the intensity of representative netball.

“The whole game was very close and very up and down with the lead,” Davidson said.

“We had that surge in the last term and got four or five ahead, but it was never over, so we couldn’t stop.

“It was great preparation for the association championships now that we know each other a bit better and the O&M were amazing.

“I’m very honoured to be recognised, but I’m more glad we got the win today.”