General News
20 September, 2024
Redbacks' double builds on amazing dynasty
THE Wedderburn netball dynasty has added to the Redbacks’ collection of silverware with double North Central flags. The wins at Donald were hard-fought but never in doubt. B Grade was crowned premiers and champions, going through the season...
THE Wedderburn netball dynasty has added to the Redbacks’ collection of silverware with double North Central flags.
The wins at Donald were hard-fought but never in doubt.
B Grade was crowned premiers and champions, going through the season undefeated and accounting for Birchip Watchem by five goals in Saturday’s grand final.
This game was a gripping contest from start to finish and turned out to be the closest game for the day. Wedderburn took an early lead, finishing the first quarter three goals ahead.
They built on that advantage in the second term, pulling further ahead by two goals.
Birchip-Watchem came out with renewed determination in the third quarter, exploiting Wedderburn’s errors and narrowing the lead to just four goals.
The final term was electrifying as Birchip-Watchem closed the gap to just one goal.
However, Wedderburn steadied themselves and managed to pull away once more, ultimately winning by five goals as the final whistle blew.
The win set the scene for more celebrations when the A Graders took on Charlton in an emotionally-charged game that saw the Redbacks execute a ruthless game style to win by 14 goals.
Holly Lockhart at goal attack was named best on court but the Redbacks were well served in every position.
Courteney Gleeson on the wing left opponents stunned with mid-court intercepts briskly sent to the ring.
In defence, Maddi Postle played her part in a tight backcourt game plan that stymied Charlton goal shooter Chloe Walsh.
For Redbacks’ skipper Postle, it was her 10th A Grade flag and number 30 for Wedderburn in 70 years.
Charlton was praised for its determination to make the grand final, players still grieving the death earlier this year of teammate Maddi Fitzpatrick, remembered post match by both teams.
For Wedderburn, the A Graders had been hit by season-ending injury to several players, including assistant coach and mentor of the 2022 premiership side Meg Lowry.
Wedderburn had settled early, building a four-goal lead by the end of the first and took advantage of their opportunities, delivering their strongest performance of the game and expanding their lead to 13 goals by halftime.
Third term changes by Charlton were not enough to stem the Redbacks’ tide on the way to winning flag No 30.