BILLABONG Crows capped off a dream season when they defeated finals bolter Lockhart 46-32 in the A-grade netball grand final at Walbundrie on Saturday.
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In coach Beck O’Connell’s final match at the helm, the Crows led from start to finish to win their first flag in the top grade.
“It’s just a relief,” O’Connell said.
“Last year we went into the grand final as underdogs without any pressure against Brock-Burrum but the expectation was there this season.
“We spent the majority of the season on top of the ladder so it’s terrific to get there.
“All the girls were amazing.
“Everyone worked so hard throughout the year and it’s good to get a reward for all the effort.”
The Crows, who lost only one match for the season in wet conditions against Jindera 41-40 in round nine, had winners everywhere.
They led by five goals at half-time and didn’t look back with Brooke Morley named best-on-court and Brooke Wilson equally as damaging.
Holly Dowling returned from overseas and was rock solid in defence while O’Connell controlled the tempo of the game mid-court.
“I thought everyone did their job out there today,” O’Connell said.
“We have some amazing players in their own right and they all just fought for each other.”
The young Lockhart line-up stayed in touch for a half before the pressure took its toll and the Crows forged ahead.
It was O’Connell’s first premiership as coach after previously leading Ovens and Murray side Corowa-Rutherglen.
“Our C reserve won as well today which is great because we didn’t have a side last season,” she said.
“It’s really satisfying.
“I’m so happy for the club in general.”
After a sluggish start to the season, Lockhart charged home and played some of its best netball during the finals series.
Demon coach Jose Webb was proud of her side’s performance and is confident of further improvement next season with such a young squad.