THURGOONA has claimed three consecutive Tallangatta Leage A-Grade premierships, after defeating Chiltern 44-32.
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The Bulldogs built their win around a dominant second half display, slamming on 15 goals to six in a powerful third quarter.
First-year coach Christina Pulvirenti was thrilled to come away with a win, after trailing by two points at half-time.
“Everything is still sinking in to be honest,” Pulvirenti said.
“For the girls who have been here for both it's an amazing feeling.
“I'm just grateful to have been a part of it.”
The first half made for an entertaining contest, with neither side able to assert any kind of dominance or gain meaningful momentum.
But with Pulvirenti pulling the trigger and making some key changes on-court, the Bulldogs were able to pull ahead.
The fresh legs of Lauren Dragicevich and Ashlea Jacobs in the goal-keeper and wing attack respectively proved decisive throughout the third quarter, as the Swans’ scoring dried up.
Until that point, Chiltern shooter Haylee Penny had been breaking even in the battle with Thurgoona goal defence Jennifer Vine.
But Vine and Dragicevic effectively formed a wall throughout the second half along with wing defence Kristie McInnes.
Best-on-court honours went to Vine after the 12-goal win, with Pulvirenti paying tribute to her champion defender.
“Jennifer has had a stellar year,” Pulvirenti said.
“Her consistency throughout the game and the season as a whole has been incredible.
“She fought hard all afternoon along with the rest of the girls.”
After taking the reigns in the wake of a premiership in 2014 and dealing with the loss of a number of key players before the season, Pulvirenti said winning the premiership hadn't been on the radar until late in the season.
“With a few new faces and players coming up from B-Grade, we weren't sure how quickly it would all come together,” she said.
“We had plenty of experience and maturity in the squad though, and it held us in good stead.
“Early in the season we were looking towards building a side for next year.
“But once we got to the finals we knew we could do it.
“Fortunately for us, we gelled at the right time and we got over the line.”
Sharla Sutcliffe shot 37 goals in a terrific display for Thurgoona, while Haylee Penny sank 24 for Chiltern.
CORRECTION: This story has been corrected to recognise that the 2015 premiership was Thurgoona’s third in-a-row.
