SALE City produced a barnstorming final quarter to defeat Woodside in the North Gippsland B grade netball grand final.
Trailing by three goals at three-quarter-time, the Bulldogs out-scored the Wildcats 14-9 in the fourth term to win 40-38.
Woodside started well, but the Bulldogs came back to head into quarter-time 9-9. The Wildcats edged ahead in the second quarter to lead 21-19 at the main break.
The Bulldogs levelled the scores during the third term, but the Wildcats responded, scoring the final three goals to lead 29-26 at the break.
While the Wildcats scored the first goal of the fourth quarter, the momentum swung Sale City’s way. The Bulldogs were forcing turnovers and moving the ball more freely up the court.
Just as it looked like City was going to run away with the match, leading by three goals, the Wildcats came back to level proceedings before the teams went goal-for-goal.
After a Hayley Castle goal put City in front, the Bulldogs forced a turnover in midcourt, with the ball ending up in Castle’s hands again. After she scored, the final whistle was blown, with City ahead by two. The Bulldogs scored 14 goals to nine in the final term.
Woodside’s Demi Godenzi, who played between centre and wing defence, was named player of the match.
WOODSIDE’S C grade side lost its first game of the season at the worst time, grand final day.
Sale City took the honours 27-23, with captain Ally Gull superb in defence, awarded player of the match.
The Wildcats led 14-11 at half-time, but the Bulldogs took control of the match during the third term, scoring nine goals to three to lead 20-17 at the final break.
It was a tough match, but Woodside was unable to find a way around City’s pressure during the final quarter, which the Dogs won 7-6.
Adding to the occasion for City, was Ashlyn Weston becoming just the second Sale City netballer to play 200 games.
SALE City claimed back-to-back D grade premierships, defeating Traralgon-Tyers United 29-25.
The Bombers began brightly, leading 10-4 at quarter-time, but City made changes at the break to reduce the deficit. TTU led 13-12 at the half, before the Bulldogs consolidated their improved form to take a 22-17 advantage into the final quarter.
While the Bombers won the final quarter, it wasn’t enough as City claimed the spoils by four goals.
Moving Daniella Pirona from wing defence to goal defence at quarter-time in particular paid dividends for the Bulldogs, with Pirona voted best-on-court by the umpires.
ROSEDALE interrupted what could have become a perfect day for Sale City, by winning the 17 and under grand final.
Going into the match undefeated, the Bulldogs threatened to breakaway early, but the Blues kept in touch to trail 10-7 at quarter-time.
The Blues took the lead during the second term, and were ahead at half-time, 15-13. City responded with a 10-6 third quarter to lead 23-21 at the final change of ends.
After the Blues levelled the scores early in what was a thrilling final quarter, the teams went goal-for-goal until Emma Callahan scored what turned out to be the winning goal just before the final whistle.
Best-on-court honours went to Rosedale wing defence Maddie Hodgson.
SALE City’s winning run began in the 15 and under grand final, ending TTU’s undefeated season.
Little separated the side through the match, with the Bulldogs leading 7-6 at half-time. TTU had the chance to level the scores late, with the ball in its goal circle, but the final whistle went before any shot went up.
Isobel Scott was outstanding for City in defence, and was rewarded with best-on-court honours.
