Sport
27 August, 2024
Rupanyup, Kalkee set for grudge match in netball semi-final | HDFNL finals
Panthers, Kees rivalry renewed in HDFNL semi-final clash.
A grudge match 12 months in the making will see two rivals clash on Sunday, September 1, in the Horsham District Football Netball League's semi-final.
Third-placed Rupanyup and fourth-placed Kalkee will square off at the Rupanyup Recreation Reserve, where the Panthers knocked the Kees out of the finals in an elimination final in 2023.
Both sides come into the must-win game relatively unscathed; Rupanyup easily defeated Kaniva-Leeor United 64-38, while Kalkee romped Edenhope-Apsley 52-36.
Rupanyup coach Jedda Heard said her side was full of confidence heading into the contest.
"If we can continue playing the way we have been for the last couple of weeks, we will be right," Heard said.
"[This year] we're focusing on our strengths and then improving our weaknesses. We haven't focused on opposition teams at all this year."
Heard said one reason for the team's success was its different scoring options.
On August 24, Zanaiya Bergen and Bianca Drum scored 30 goals each.
"We can change it up now whenever we like," Heard said.
"I think, from Zanaiya's point of view, having different shooting combinations gives her a lot of confidence. She knows if she's a little bit off or not having the best day, that we have other combinations.
"I think that really helps her as a shooter too."
The Panthers only lost three games in 2024, once each to Laharum, Noradjuha Quantong and Sunday's opponent, Kalkee.
Kees A Grade coach Paula Wiedermann said the 2023 results would motivate the side.
"The girls will definitely taking on board the lessons from last year's elimination final," she said.
"They will be going in with a different thought process."
Of last year's squad, only Jenna Bywaters, Jarrah Martin and Clair McDonald remain in the team in 2024.
"They're a completely different team. We've gone in with some different strategies and some different gameplays.
"We've got so many different combinations, which makes us such a versatile team, so we can play anywhere."
Martin scored 30 goals against the Saints on August 25, while Bywaters added 22.
The clubs' 2024 record is one game a piece, with Kalkee winning the round three match 36-35, while Rupanyup evened the ledger 37-25 in round 14.
The semi-final starts at 12pm.