Bulldogs Perfect Day on the Netball Court
IN PERFECT conditions on the biggest afternoon of the season, the two heavyweights of Yarra Ranges netball went head-to-head in adding another page to their great on-court rivalry.
And, after yet another epic encounter between the two, Wandin got over Olinda Ferny Creek 46-44 to claim the Division 1 A Grade premiership flag.
The Bulldogs’ victory capped a remarkable day for the club which saw all four senior sides and the 17-and- under side win the grand final for a clean sweep of the silverware.
“That was pretty surreal,” A Grade premiership coach Ella Bayliss said. “Everyone was saying all week we could make history (and be the first to win five). But never in your wildest dreams did we think it could happen. But when the A Grade game finished the whole squad just ran on to the court.”
After topping the ladder by two games at the end of the home-and-away season, Wandin had the first week of finals off as the minor premier, but then lost to Olinda Ferny Creek in the major semi-final.
The Bulldogs then had to edge their way past Woori Yallock by a solitary goal in the preliminary final to earn a second crack at the Bloods in the season decider.
With five premierships, the entire club had something to celebrate. Picture: Steve Tanner
“When we played in the first final against Olinda it was goal-for-goal the whole match until the last five minutes,” Bayliss said.
“The prelim it was really, really wet and it changed the pace of the game.”
This week, Wandin grabbed an early advantage, leading 13-9 at the first change.
“Our win was set up in the first quarter yesterday,” Bayliss said. “If you are in front early and not having to chase, it gives you such confidence.”
Last Modified on 27/09/2016 21:21