Triple the glory for Hoppers

A strong and consistent year for Haylee and her team was finished in the most spectacular way with a junior premiership.

A flag which could have been unfurled in the possession of either side went the way of the Hoppers after a late break handed them a 30-23 triumph.

Close is an understatement on review of the game.

The sides couldn’t be split at quarter-time, 6-6 with neither looking ready to budge.

Rennie slid ahead by two goals at the half and the Rovers were fighting a losing battle heading into the last quarter 23-16 down.

The Hoppers stuck to their guns and saw out the game without mistake, clutching the seven-goal win much to the delight of the many greenclad supporters.

Makayla George was awarded best on court.

Congratulations to Makayla George for being awarded best on court.

Under 15s

Rennie 39 def Tungamah 21.

Teamwork, determination and drive is what got the girls across the line against Tungamah in the grand final on Saturday.

After a tight game the week prior, the entire team was determined to make sure this game was their best. Defensive pressure was going to be key in winning this game, and the powerhouse was at it again.

Soph, Tess and Sam worked tirelessly against Tungamah’s attack forcing them to work in overdrive all game, picking off any stray ball that they could get their hands to.

Iris and Demi transitioned the ball beautifully down the court from defensive turnovers, rewarding the defenders hard work. Together they created plenty of opportunity on the attack, with easy movement of the ball from the centre pass and into the ring.

Mabel and Alani were on fire in the ring, becoming obvious headaches for Tungamah’s defence. The pair utilised every opportunity to score and ensured that every rebound was theirs.

A late change up in the last minutes of final quarter saw Jasi, Chels and Charlotte take the court properly for the first time in the finals campaign and you could not wipe the smile of their faces.

Darla and Mia on the bench kept spirits high all game, encouraging and supporting their teammates up until the final whistle.

The end result was everything that the club had hoped for, premiers.

It does not get much better than this!

To all the girls, a massive congratulations on all you hard work this season it really does pay off.

Congratulations to Sophie Coghill for being awarded best on court.

Under 17s

Rennie 46 def Berrigan 35.

Coming into Saturday, the Rennie girls were a ball of nerves and emotions. It was obvious how much the team wanted to win and how much they were willing to work for it.

The first quarter showed the Rennie girls putting everything into motion, and not letting any errors determine how the game would play out.

With a new goaler combination that hadn’t yet been seen in finals from Eliza Robilliard and Laynee Rhodes, the Rennie girls were using their versatility to their advantage.

Both goalers were confident, strong and working the ring to ensure success. Berrigan came out with a point to prove during the first quarter and were not letting the Rennie girls run away, staying within a 3-5 goal margin.

The second quarter again showed determination and strategy by the Rennie girls. Lucy Bassett and Heleena Shaw dominated the defensive girl, and cut any chance of Berrigan playing their usual way off.

Lucy dropping back into the ring to double team the incredible goals for Berrigan, and forcing any goals to be shot out wide, and turning every rebound into a Rennie possession. The girls kept chipping away and continued to increase their lead ever so slightly.

The third quarter had always been the quarter for the Rennie girls. With exhaustion and fatigue setting in across the court, this was the time for the girls to dig deep and use our fitness and team work to our advantage.

Georgia Phillips and Mykie McBurnie setting the stage for Berrigan in what caused multiple forced efforts and turnovers by the opposition. With their persistence, eyes for the ball and want for the win, the Rennie girls could feel the trophy drawing closer.

The final quarter; 15 minutes left to use their emotions, adrenaline, drive and play as a team. The end was in sight and all signs were looking up, but the game was not over.

Berrigan continued to try their hardest and bring the ball from their defence to attack, yet Zoe McKenzie and Captain Sophia Shaw used everything they had left to put pressure over every ball, backing their teammates up and showing us their flawless ability to read the play.

With 5 minutes to go, the girls were getting antsy and could feel the siren drawing closer. With the siren from the other court signalling another win for the Rennie Hoppers (U13s), the pressure was on to deliver in this game.

One minute to go, and the lead was growing larger, with the crowd cheering and the team knowing what was about to happen.

The siren goes and the court floods with emotions, tears and excitement from all. A back to back premiership with an undefeated side for coach Brooke McDougall.

This team deserved it, this team have worked for it, and this team have earnt every bit of praise.

Berrigan were worthy opponents who worked hard for their place in that grand final, and put up an incredible fight for the grand final.

A game to raise their heads to, and a game for the Rennie girls to remember and cherish.

Congratulations to Laynee Rhodes for being awarded best on court.