Girgarre breaks through for maiden Kyabram District League A-grade premiership in tough contest with Lancaster

Sure, the resurgent Wombats, 12 months removed from a 2023 campaign that yielded just five wins, could go in with confidence having knocked the Kangaroos off in both prior meetings this season.

Nothing is guaranteed on the big day, though, and it was a lesson learned quickly.

These two sides went hammer and tong from the outset; not many first terms on Saturday ended with both teams at double figures, but nothing was being left to chance.

Deadlocked at 11 after the opening act, things very much appeared on course for more of the same until a furious spell yielded six straight for Girgarre to assume its most commanding position at any point this year over Lancaster.

Even the notorious wind politely saved its strongest interference for between quarters as Girgarre notched an after the siren goal for the second straight term to lead 25-21 at the halfway mark.

Kangaroos goal defence Allana Adams had been a picture of work rate despite obviously battling a leg injury in the third term as the margin remained narrow.

In the closing stages of the third, there was once again no margin at all with stars like Chicky Vick more than holding their own as Lancaster prevented the getaway and even snatched a modest advantage back.

With no margin for error, one quarter to play and a lead of two, Michelle Hill’s side went to work with a three-goal blitz to start the fourth - only to receive five straight in return.

Once again, it was back to the drawing board in a tie game; these Kangaroos were determined to make the third time the charm.

Led by the attacking prowess of skipper Jacqui Gahan, Girgarre simply would not go away, setting up a barnstormer finish for the league’s top prize.

The drama was always going to intensify from there, but Gahan converting twice in quick succession off fouls and a huge interception moments later out the other way appeared to render the premiership blue and white.

Full-blown elation soon gave way as a cracking contest from start to finish met its conclusion, Girgarre finally able to taste a first A-grade flag in club history after holding off Lancaster 43-40.

Co-coach Abbey Butler admitted nerves were a factor as this pulsating contest wore on, but never doubted her squad.

“We said to the girls at the start that we need to be consistent over the four quarters,” Butler said.

“Lancaster has been the side to beat and respect to them, they’ve got a great group of girls but we were consistent and our girls played well.

“You’re always nervous in situations like that, but I knew if we held possession and stayed composed, we could get the job done.

“We were able to keep hold of it and did really well. I’m extremely proud of the girls who worked hard for things like this and it all came together today.

“We’ve made history within our club having never been in an A-grade final, so it’s humbling for us to be part of that history but it’s a credit to the girls and the work they’ve put in.”

Gahan was duly highlighted by the umpires as the best on court, receiving the double honour of having her premiership medal bestowed by her daughter in a touching post-match moment.

“Jacqui is a huge asset to our team and our club,” Butler said.

“What she does not only on the court like today, but from a training perspective, is second to none.

“It goes without saying she’s big for our team.”