Sights set on five premierships in a row, the undefeated Sale City came out hard and fast in the first quarter of the North Gippsland Football-Netball League 2022 D Grade Grand Final, but it wouldn’t be enough. In 60 minutes, Rosedale would dethrone the Bulldogs from their undefeated status, taking with them the premiership flag.
In the mid-court Sale City’s centre, Lyndall Holmes flaunted perceptive ball distribution and speed, making her a dominant physical presence on the court.
Rosedale matched Sale City’s dominance in the mid-court with their own centre player, Scarlett Ellen. Ellen’s on-court movement and reading of the play were undoubtedly a strength for the Blues.
The Bulldogs were on top, leading Rosedale 11 to 4 at the end of the first quarter.
The Blues were strong in their attacking third through goal attack, Ashlea Roberts-Courtney boasting accuracy in the shooting ring.
Sale City’s goalkeeper Abbey Kinnish was a persistent presence in defence, putting unrelenting pressure on Roberts-Courtney and Rosedale’s goal shooter Alicia Foley throughout the game.
The Blues found their rhythm, taking a two-point lead at the end of the third; Rosedale 20, Sale 18.
Lara Wain was outstanding for Sale in the final quarter, a pocket-rocket on the court with unwavering tenacity and fantastic fluidity throughout her court movement.
Elyse Counahan in goal attack was also a stand-out for Sale City, but it was Rosedale’s centre, Scarlett Ellen, who ultimately stole the on-court show.
Pressure built as the seconds melted away, and the crowd became a colourful sea of boisterous roars.
It was Sale’s centre pass; the game’s end was in sight, and just one point separated the Bulldogs from the Blues. Sale was desperate to even the score, sending the ball into the attacking third at lightning speed.
Enter Olivia Northway.
As the Bulldogs tried to penetrate Rosedale’s defence, Northway, the Blues’ goal defence, turned the ball over with a fantastic intercept; the tables had turned.
Ellen carried the play from Rosedale’s defensive third through the mid-court, finding Roberts-Courtney and Foley in the shooting ring.
Time was up; the game was over and the underdogs, Rosedale, claimed the victory, 28 to 26, against the now defeated Sale City.
The result has been a long time coming for Rosedale coach Michelle Kyle.
“We haven’t won a game against them [Sale City] in years,” Kyle said.
“[The girls played] amazing, the first quarter was tough, we made it hard for ourselves, but we got there in the end. This is just so exciting.”
