IT wasn't just the fight that got Yarrawonga over the line against North Albury in the B grade Ovens and Murray netball grand final on Sunday.
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Playing coach Lauren Mulquiney said it was the girls’ composure which ultimately led the side to a 35-33 premiership win.
It could have been anyone’s game, after each team had a win during the season and Hoppers took out their first finals clash.
The two sides were neck-and-neck throughout the match, but Pigeons didn't let the pressure get to them.
North Albury grabbed a three-goal lead early in the first quarter, before Yarrawonga fought back, closing the margin to a goal by quarter time.
Mulquiney said the win was even sweeter given given they had lost the last two grand finals to the Hoppers.
“I'm just feeling relief,” she said.
“I'm proud of the way the girls kept fighting back.
“We were a few goals down at the end and I just thought ‘oh my god it is not happening again’, but they pulled through, they were really calm and composed in the last moments of the game.”
Pigeons centre and league best and fairest, Caitlin O’Dwyer shone on court to win best on ground.
O'Dwyer also celebrated her 100th game with the club, but said the day was more about the team and the grand final.
“We built up to today and we just really wanted to win,” she said.
“I think the weather affected our game and some nerves, but North were very tough … we just had to calm down, make sure our passes were flat and come forward for the ball.
“We've been playing so hard all year, it was such a tough game.
“They have won the last few years, it's always a battle between us, so we knew we had to try and break it.”
While they couldn't get the win in B grade, the Hoppers had success in the C grade with a convincing 38-29 win over Lavington.
Goal shooter Andrea Wendt won best on court after a solid 23-goal performance.
Coach Paula Cary said the premiership was a long time coming for the side.
She said they had to adjust to a short game in the rain.
“The last few years we've had the 16s and the B win, but C have fallen short,” she said
“Today they really stood up and did a fantastic job.
“It was great to get every player on the court.”
Meanwhile, Wangaratta took home the under 16s premiership following a three-goal victory over Wodonga Raiders. The Magpies had a six-goal lead at half time, but the Raiders kept pushing.
Just one goal separated the sides going into the final quarter, but Wangaratta held on for the win.
