Grace Ingram locates a midcourt option. Photos: RFNC
Rochester’s B-reserve netball side will go to war with Seymour to decide who will be crowned Goulburn Valley League champion for 2024.
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The two ladder-leading sides have been dominant all season long. The Tigers only dropped three games this season, while the Lions finished with a perfect 18-0 record.
Rochy suffered an early setback in round one of the season against Benalla but corrected its course against Kyabram the following week.
A four-point loss to Shepparton Bears in round three and a convincing win against Tatura the week after meant that the Tigers had an even record through the first four rounds.
Wins against Echuca, Mooroopna and Euroa meant that Rochy was in the green when it came up against a blistering Seymour side in round eight.
While the Tigers pushed the Lions to score one of their higher goal totals at that point in the season, it wasn’t enough to stop Seymour, who triumphed by 25 goals.
The loss didn’t deter Rochy, who went on to remain undefeated for the remainder of the season, decimating the rest of the competition.
When the two sides eventually met in the qualifying final, the Tigers had gained momentum and confidence from a strong back half of the season.
This made the game a much closer affair, with Rochy leading at quarter-time and keeping the scores within three until the final quarter, when the Lions proved why they were premiership favourites, ultimately winning by six goals.
The Tigers’ dynamic scoring duo of Shallon Webb and Sahra Brooks gave Seymour’s defence one of its most difficult games all season.
Rochy then came up against Shepparton Swans in a thrilling first semi-final that went down to the wire.
Zali Hocking looks to create space.
The Tigers dominated the first half but took their foot off the gas in the second half, almost leading to a loss. Luckily, Rochy’s defence held strong and it escaped with a five-goal win.
Only Euroa stood in the way of the Tigers’ date with Seymour on the biggest stage.
Rochester wasted no time in the preliminary final, keeping the Magpies at arm’s length before Euroa mounted a fightback in the third term.
Thankfully, a determined Tigers unit won the day by eight goals.
With only the elusive Lions stopping it from capturing the flag, Rochester is ready to leave everything on the court.
Sahra Brooks makes her way to the ring.
Rochy’s B reserve co-coach Maddy Holt said that her charges, while nervous, were excited to give it their all in the grand final and their journey this season had prepared them for the battle.
“The team is feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, but they are also ready as the grand final approaches,” she said.
“Reaching the grand final is always a goal and we had no doubt the girls could get there. It’s a testament to the team’s hard work and resilience throughout the season.”
Holt believes in her team as it faces an undefeated Seymour side.
“Facing undefeated Seymour is always going to be a challenge, but anything can happen on grand final day,” she said.
“We will embrace the challenge and just be grateful we are in this position.
“Regardless of their record, we are confident in our abilities and strengths. The girls deserve it and we have so much faith in our team.”
Centre pass is scheduled for 11.30am on Sunday, September 22.
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