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Gallery | Shepparton East and Lancaster go toe-to-toe in heavyweight KDL final round battle
A top-of-the-table clash between Shepparton East and Lancaster has led to a scintillating contest in the final round of the Kyabram District League netball season.
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First-placed Lancaster hosted third-placed Shepparton East at Lancaster Recreation Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
In the two sides’ round two clash, the Wombats made light work of the Eagles, winning the match by 28 goals.
However, heading into round 16, Shepparton East co-coach Kate Durling said her side was determined not to let the same result happen twice.
“Going into Lancy, we knew it was going to be a really tough contest,” Durling said.
“We learned from our round two clash when we gave up a big lead during that game and we knew that we had to just stay with them and not give them that lead, which we did.
“We were even at half-time and we felt like we had the momentum even though nothing was really falling our way.
“We just knew that we had to stick with them and keep it a close contest.”
And what a contest it was.
Neither side broke away from the other throughout the first three quarters and the match continued in a similar vein in the fourth term as the two talent-laden sides battled it out.
Durling said her side executed its game plan well, with the Eagles eventually pushing their beaks in front in the dying stages.
“We aimed to have it come down to the wire, which it did,” she said.
“We got up by two goals with a minute to spare and we snagged it.
“We are very, very happy.”
The final score finished 41-43 in Shepparton East’s favour.
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Lancaster's Chicquita Vick searches for a teammate. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 8
Shepparton East's Claire Doherty working hard in defence. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 8
Lancaster's Lexi Thomas watches and waits. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 8
Lancaster's Charli Westerveld takes possession of the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 8
Shepparton East's Kate Durling looks up the court. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 8
Shepparton East's Maddison Newey lining up her shot. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 8
Shepparton East's Claire Doherty keeps her eyes on the prize. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 8
Shepparton East's Kara Pattison was busy in attack. Photo by Megan FisherAgainst a quality Wombats outfit, Durling was impressed with how her defenders stood up under intense pressure.
“Our defence end was very strong,” she said.
“Sarah Maskell, Claire Doherty on the line and through that midcourt they brought the ball down for us very well.
“They had a solid four quarters each; they were the two best that I gave.
“We had some fresh legs — impact players — come on with two minutes to go.
“We have been marred with some injuries and illnesses, so that really helped us with some fresh legs coming on.”
The finals start this weekend and Durling said her side was as good a chance as any for the premiership given the close nature of the top six in 2024.
“We are really excited because in the top six sides, it could be anybody’s game,” she said.
“Our biggest strength is we have got a really good depth to our side.
“If one is not performing, we can replace her with a bench player, knowing that the bench player will make an impact.
“Knowing that it is anybody’s flag to win is really exciting.”
In other matches, Dookie United has finished in fifth spot after it defeated Tallygaroopna by 26 goals.
Girgarre rose to finish top of the ladder after it beat Stanhope 52-39.
Fourth-placed Nagambie cruised to a 32-goal win over Merrigum, while Violet Town secured the final spot in the top six after defeating Murchison-Toolamba by 17 goals away from home.
Meanwhile, Avenel beat Undera 52-41 and Longwood defeated Rushworth by nine goals.
Shepparton East will play Violet Town and Nagambie will take on Dookie United in the first round of finals.