Sport
24 August, 2024
Rupanyup dominates Kaniva-Leeor United in HDFNL Elimination Final win
Zanaiya Bergen, Bianca Drum lead Panthers to finals victory.
Rupanyup flexed its muscles in its outstanding victory against Kaniva-Leeor United in the Horsham District Football Netball League's A Grade elimination final on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
The Panthers controlled all areas of the court in the 64-38 win, with Zanaiya Bergen and Bianca Drum scoring 30 goals each.
Coach Jedda Heard praised the side on the crucial finals win, highlighting the strong play between defensive pair Lucy Bussenschutt and Victoria Taylor.
"They worked really well together in that ring," Heard said.
"They talk to each other really well; when one's back, one's forward. It is really nice to watch."
Bussenschutt and Taylor often double-teamed Cougars goal shooter Blair Burke, cutting off passes and starting a counterattack.
"I think our pace down the court... was something that we've been struggling on the last maybe half a season," Heard said.
"It is something we've been working on. I'm glad we were able to do that well today.
"A big emphasis this year was just not worrying about what the other teams could bring, but worrying about what we ourselves could do to be better."
Burke finished the game with 26 goals, including 11 in the third quarter.
The Panthers now eagerly await the outcome of Sunday's semi-final clash between Kalkee and Edenhope Apsley at PImpinio on Sunday, August 25.
It was a mixed day for Heard, with her B Grade side going down to the Swifts, 42-36.
In a seesawing game from start to finish, neither side could establish dominance in the first three quarters, with the lead changing hands multiple times.
However, a strong finish by the Swifts saw them hold off the Panthers and win by six.
Emily Gay finished with 25 goals for the Baggies while Amy Kenny added 15. Ilze Van Zyl top scored for the Panthers with 25 goals and Laura Hyslop scored 11.
Edenhope-Apsley survived a scare, defeating Harrow-Balmoral 28-24.
Abby Hepburn shot 22 goals for the Saints while Joanne Merryfull scored 14 for the Southern Roos.
In the under-17s, the game clash between Pimpinio and Taylors Lakes saw both side defending like it was their last game.
After the Tigers established an early lead, the Lakers clawed back with a 9-6 second quarter.
Proving defence is the best form of attack, Pimpinio took to the court a more aggressive team, countering from the backline at every opportunity.
The Tigers limited their opposition to just 11 goals in the second half while adding 26 of their own.
At the final whistle, Pimpinio won 39-22.
Ellie Slorach scored 21 goals for the victors, while Ada Binney added 18. Jordain Laurie scored 12 for the Lakers, and Skye Lawrence scored 12.
Laharum's under-15 side showed its might against Harrow-Balmoral, winning 35-23.
However, the Demons didn't have it all their way.
The Southern Roos fired and established a three-goal lead before Laharum could get on the scoreboard.
As the nerves settled, the Demons established a groove and wrestled a formidable 19-10 halftime lead.
A mini burst from the home side cut the deficit to seven at the final break, but it was not enough to secure the win.
Charlie Arnott scored 15 goals for Laharum, while Kate McDonnell matched the effort for Harrow-Balmoral.
Despite finishing with four fewer wins this season, Kaniva-Leeor United's under-13 side looked every bit the stronger opponent.
KLU was relentless against the Swifts, applying pressure at every opportunity.
The Cougars' frontcourt duo of Pippa Vivian (25 goals) and Brooke Crouch (14) utilised their size advantage, looping overhead passes and out-rebounding the Baggies' defence.
At the final whistle, Kaniva-Leeor United won 39-26.