PDL ǀ Gallery ǀ Tungamah captures B-grade flag in hard-fought decider

By James Kleeman

Sep 11, 2022

Hands on silverware: Tungamah's B-grade premiers. Photo by Megan Fisher

Glimmers of sun started to peak through cloudy skies at Katunga Recreation Reserve on Saturday as the B-grade netballers took to the court for their decider, and it was the Bears who took the limelight at the final siren.

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Tungamah fended off a plucky Katunga outfit to secure B-grade premiership glory with a 46-38 win.

Bears co-coaches Claire Dawson and Maddie Hocking said the win was the cherry on the cake after a fantastic year.

“That’s what we all play netball for and what we’ve trained hard for all year. To come away with it is pretty special,” Dawson said.

Enduring friendships: Katunga’s Danielle Henderson and Tungamah’s Mickayla Thomas share a laugh after the game. Photo by Megan Fisher

“The girls have worked really hard all year and they absolutely deserve this.”

The two sides both recorded 14 wins and two losses in the home-and-away season and both coaches knew it would take something special to match it with the Swans in the grand final.

“Katunga’s a very good side, so to come away with the win, we’re very proud,” Hocking said.

Laser-like precision: Tungamah’s Claire Dawson fires a pass. Photo by Megan Fisher

“The girls really lifted today. We played really well as a team and everyone combined really well. It was probably one of our better games of the year and we did that on the right day.”

Goal attack Kara Lawless was firing on all cylinders on Saturday, putting up shots from all angles to be named best-on-court.

“She was getting goals from everywhere today,” Hocking said.

Full focus: Katunga’s Rachael Howden looks for a pass with Tungamah’s Victoria Bruce watching on. Photo by Megan Fisher

Dawson agreed Lawless was pivotal, while heaping praise on the whole side.

“She’s so accurate, and I think just in general the whole court was so patient and consistent today. That’s what we needed to be so we weren’t forcing it,” Dawson said.

After a shortened 2021, which would have likely seen the same two sides meet in the grand final, the two Tungamah coaches agreed it was great to finally be at the finish line after a long two years.

“It’s great to get back into netball after a couple of years off,” Dawson said.

“Last year it probably would have been both of our teams in the grand final. It was nice to be able to pick up where we left off.”