Netball
14 September, 2024
Kalkee clinches fourth straight HDFNL B Grade premiership with 30-28 win
Kalkee wins HDFNL B Grade title in battle against Natimuk United.
Lisa Fulton was speechless after being named the HDFNL B Grade grand final's best player on the court.
The Kalkee goal shooter scored 26 goals in the 30-28 victory against Natimuk United, including seven in the final quarter.
"This win is because of all the hard work as a team," Fulton said.
"It's amazing. They're like an extra family."
While Kalkee were the defending premiers, the Rams were the minor premiers and comfortably defeated the Kees in the semi-final by 13 goals.
"We were nervous, but because they were on top, no pressure," she said,
"It was knew we had to go out and just fight and hope for the best."
The win gives Kalkee four premierships in a row.
Coach Melissa Beddison said she was proud of her side's effort.
"Four in a row is amazing, even if we like to go into the games as underdogs," she said.
"Natimuk are a great side. I felt so long as we kept with them we would be okay."
Players were pelted with hail during parts of the game, testing their physical and mental limits.
"It was quite literally freezing today," Beddison said.
"It's another just a level of test as well for the players."
With both sides exchanging goals, Natimuk United went into the main break ahead 14-13.
Beddison said her side was confident they could turn it around despite trailing.
"We needed to be patient. That's where that teamwork comes into it," she said.
"The girls have been working on that all year, and we've got some very experienced players that have played in the last few grand finals final, so that helped."
The big game experience helped Kalkee take the lead in the second half and withstand the fast-finishing Rams.
B Grade-leading scorer Codi-Rae Fisher finished with goals, including nine in the final quarter.