By David Nagel
Near-neighbours Cora Lynn and Nar Nar Goon shared the spoils in B, C and D Grade on Saturday as the Garfield netball courts came to life in a sea of color on the biggest day of the season.
Here’s how the B, C and D Grade grand finals unfolded.
B GRADE
NAR NAR GOON 47 def Tooradin-Dalmore 45
Best on Court: Elise Setches (Nar Nar Goon)
Nar Nar Goon has joined Tooradin-Dalmore as the only two-time winners of the WGFNC B Grade premiership after the Goon defeated the Seagulls in a tense grand final on Saturday.
These two have played each other in the last three grand finals since Covid, with the Seagulls winning in 2022 before the Goon bounced back on a successful revenge-seeking mission last year.
This grand final was a cracker from the outset, with both keen to get the upper hand and make it two premierships in the last three years.
Both teams couldn’t be split in the opening half, being locked at 11-11 at quarter time before both scored 12 goals in the second term to make it 23-23 at the half-time break.
Chloe Thompson, Jess Cox and Tara Smith were formidable for the Seagulls through the midcourt, while defenders Kelly Haynes and Rachel Cole were keeping the dangerous Goon goalers under wraps.
Emma Haynes and Bec Kinna were providing great targets in the circle; but the Goon absorbed the Seagulls best shot and ramped things up even further in the third quarter.
Experienced goaler Toni Dart really found her range in the third term, scoring nine of Nar Nar Goon’s 12 goals as her team jumped out to a three-goal advantage at the final change of ends.
Dart and Vanessa Stocco were proving a dangerous combination, in and around the ring, while the likes of Emilee Dunn, Elise Setches and Alexandra Fenton were providing plenty of drive through the mid third.
And the defensive prowess of Zoe Parker and Morgan Harris ensured the Seagulls had to fight tooth and nail for every single scoring opportunity.
Nar Nar Goon then absorbed the Seagulls best shot in the final term to hang on by a narrow two-goal margin.
Setches was named best on court after a dynamic game in Wing Attack.
C GRADE
CORA LYNN 38 def Inverloch-Kongwak 31
Best on Court: Miley Schade (Cora Lynn)
Cora Lynn is celebrating its first ever senior premiership in the WGFNC after overcoming Inverloch-Kongwak in a gripping C Grade decider.
The Cobras had previously won three-consecutive premierships at 13 Under level (2017 to ’19), but had never tasted success in any other grade.
Things were looking promising after an 8-5 start to the contest, and looked even brighter after the Cobras narrowly increased their lead to four goals at half time.
Players like Chelsea Snowden, Chloe Higgins, Alahni Miles, Miley Schade and Monica Schade were proving instrumental for the Cobras, while A Grade coach Lou Walsh was showing her class in the circle.
Miles, playing Goal Attack, played a key role in setting up Walsh who eventually contributed 25 goals for the match.
The Sea Eagles were seven goals down at three-quarter time and gave everything they had in the final term.
Liza Burrows, Mairead Donohue and Sam Hume threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Cobras, but it was to no avail; Cora Lynn running out seven-goal winners.
Among a team of great contributors, Miley Schade was awarded the best on court medal for her impact through the midcourt after quarter time.
D GRADE
NAR NAR GOON 33 def Garfield 29
Best on Court: Tara O’Sullivan (Nar Nar Goon)
Defending champion Nar Nar Goon has once again proven itself the best team in D Grade netball after successfully defending its crown against a brave Garfield.
There was nothing between these teams all day, with the Goon winning the first two quarters by a goal to take a 17-15 lead to half time.
The Stars were still a chance after balancing the ledger at 7-7 in the third quarter, with league best and fairest winner Kristie Walker and runner up Elise Byrne giving the Stars some hope heading into the final term.
But the Goon played the better netball in the last quarter; edging clear for a four-goal triumph and back-to-back D Grade flags.
Lilian Davine, Tylah Harris and Abbey Kerr provided great forward drive and defensive pressure for the Goon through the midcourt, while Bronte Tivendale and Zoe Foster gave great support to Jorja Ferrari at the defensive end of the court.
Goalers Alexandra Goodie and Tasha Foster were also terrific for the Goon, while Tara O’Sullivan was a well-deserved best on court medal winner after a terrific game at Wing Defence.
