THE final round of the Ovens and Murray netball season has proven the premiership could be anyone’s game after Lavington narrowly defeated Wodonga by one goal on Saturday.
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It was tit-for-tat throughout the match with the two A grade sides switching the lead at the end of each quarter at John Flower Oval.
Panthers will finish the season in third place following the win, giving them a second chance if they are unable to defeat Wodonga again next week.
Lavington coach Brooke Spinelli said the team had worked hard in the past few weeks towards this result.
“We really wanted to finish in third spot, that was our goal to get that second chance,” Spinelli said.
“I think we got our confidence back a few weeks ago and it was more seeing if we were good enough to play finals.
“We peaked at the right time of year and got over our injuries and worries.
“Wodonga are averaging 70 goals a game, which is a phenomenal amount.
“We knew we had to stop the ball getting in their goal ring because they are shooting at 90 per cent.
“Our attackers needed to defend from the minute the ball was turned over.
“We really need to take care of our own opponent - making sure each person does their job on the court.”
Wodonga came out strong and finished the first quarter with a three point lead, but Lavington responded and got up by one at half-time.
Going into the final quarter the Bulldogs were leading by one, but Panthers fought until the end taking out a 47 to 46 victory.
Spinelli said eight players took the court for Lavington and each one played at their best.
“We didn’t do anything different, we just knew we needed to come and play to win,” she said.
“We had to play at our best and up the intensity each and every quarter.
“Their coach, Liona Edwards, didn’t take the court, so they had one player different to what they have been used to all year.”
Lavington's Rhiannon Dolahenty and Ange Demamiel put on strong performances.
Spinelli said the girls will take each weekend as it comes going into finals.
“The win gave us the belief in ourselves that on our days we can win big matches,” she said.
“The results from the weekend make the competition a bit more interesting.”
“Wodonga are a quality side and are gunning for premiership.”
The result pushed Yarrawonga back up to the top spot on the ladder giving them a break next week.
The side finished the season with a 50 to 34 win over Wodonga Raiders.
North Albury managed to scrape into the top five on percentage following a convincing 32 point win over Corowa Rutherglen.
Myrtleford went down by four to Wangaratta in the final game of the season for both sides.
Albury had an impressive 20 point win over the Rovers heading into finals.
