Tallygaroopna has proven to be C-reserve’s premier outfit in any era.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The halfway point of the Kyabram District League’s netball grand finals came after C-reserve kicked into action right on noon at Mooroopna.
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Having avoided a brief spell of rain by mere seconds, Tallygaroopna and Girgarre took the courts, the Kangaroos having had to go the extra mile to reach the big stage.
Of course, the two groups of supporters has been no strangers over the day with these same two clubs having finished up a 13-and-under grand final on the opposing court, where Girgarre claimed honours.
There was a bit of the expected blow-for-blow environment about the game’s first 10 minutes, but an run of seven Redlegs goals out of nine gave it a different feeling with a 13-10 quarter time lead.
Normal business soon resumed as the sides exchanged salvos early in the second, but having spared the C-graders in its first appearance, the rain soon returned for its vengeance.
Last-minute pass recoveries on the sidelines and a handful of unpredictable trajectories defined the game for a few minutes, but shots remained remarkably accurate at both ends all the same with just a goal in it at the half.
The Redlegs goalers imposed their wills strongly in the second half’s infancy, racing out to a lead of five that was safely maintained for the remainder of the third term despite leading by nine at one stage and being brought back to four at the final change.
The influx of dust from the nearby walking track would have obscured visibility at certain stages of the final term, but Tallygaroopna’s girls had put the necessary credit on the board.
The Redlegs simply had the legs to overcome, eventually posting a comfortable 48-36 triumph and getting on the board on grand final day.
Tallygaroopna's Alice Biddle takes charge of the ball.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Tallygaroopna's Grace Maher stayed busy in attack.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Tallygaroopna's Grace Newman looks to turn and go.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Girgarre's Caitlin Campbell takes possession in stride.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Tallygaroopna's Shareena Pearce was honoured post-match as the top performer.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Girgarre's Samantha Brinkman sets up a fast chest pass.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Girgarre's Chloe Graham takes a shot put-like stance into her pass.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Tallygaroopna's Shareena Pearce remained ever-present through the middle.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
It marked an unusual quirk within the league’s history, with C-reserve having last operated in 2019 and being won by Tallygaroopna, meaning the red and blue girls can call themselves two-time defending premiers on a technicality.
Coach Sharni Chandler was most proud of the adaptability on display.
“I definitely think we just had to adjust to Girgarre’s play,” Chandler said.
“Once we got ahold of what they were like, we were able to adjust in the third quarter.
“With how our girls have played this season, the fact it started and ended with Girgarre, it gave us confidence to know we could push through for a win.”
Best on court recognition went to Tallygaroopna’s Shareena Pearce, who earned her own praise.
“At the start of the season, considering she said she’d only be a fill-in, she’s been a huge part of the season for us,” Chandler said.
“She’s always positive and always gives 100 per cent.
“She became a main player for us and she’s an absolute superstar.”
For her part, Pearce herself was happy to chip in after receiving the award.
“What C-reserve is about is bringing people back into the game and it’s great; it was such a friendly game,” Pearce said.
“(Girgarre has) come from fifth and given us a run for our money.
“They were quality but we were able to consolidate in the third quarter and get away in the fourth, and we played a consistent game.
“I’d like to say that I was supported by a good team; when you’ve got friends on the court and a good team around you, it’s easy to play a nice game.”
