Sport
2 September, 2024
Rupanyup survive semi final thriller against Kalkee | HDFNL finals
Rupanyup survive 1-goal thriller against Kalkee.
Despite a hard charging Kalkee, the Rupanyup Panthers claimed victory in the HDFNL semi final on Sunday, September 1, at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve.
For long periods in the final term, both sides were deadlocked as the lead changed repeatedly
And, while the Panthers sat with their noses in the lead, Kalkee lined up a shot on goal, but before it could be taken, time elapsed and Rupanyup were the victors, 32-31.
HDFNL
Finals
"It was a really good game," said Rupanyup's A grade coach Jedda Heard.
Kalkee started strong, building an early lead through the opening term.
"Their pressure was quite good, down in their defensive end," Heard said.
"Their drive too down the court was something we had to adjust to, they were quite quick moving it down, I just don't think we were quite ready for how fast the ball was moving."
Despite winning the match, Rupanyup only outscored Kalkee in one quarter.
As rain blew over Rupanyup Recreation Reserve in the second term, the Panthers pounced, turning a four-goal deficit at quarter-time into a four-goal lead at half-time.
"[The rain] slowed the ball down a lot," said Heard.
"We haven't really played a lot in the rain, but it got quite slippery and it really just forced both sides to settle a little bit."
A big part of Rupanyup's game plan was its regular and purposeful use of its rolling subs.
Every player in the squad was being rotated through the three-player bench, keeping fresh legs on court.
"Earlier in the year, we really didn't have anyone on the bench, we had Gemma [Morgan] and Anna [Sudholz] swapping in that wing defence position, but we really didn't have anyone else for another position," Heard said.
"That makes it hard, because that puts a lot of pressure on those players that don't have anyone to fall back on.
"I think now that we do have that extra player to fall back on, that pressure is kind of lifted. We're just like, 'we're just going to go out and play, but if it doesn't go right, then there's always someone else who can come in and fill that position too,' I think that's given us a big advantage there."
Rupanyup will now set their sights on Noradjuha Quantong in the HDFNL preliminary final on Saturday, September 7, at the Natimuk Showgrounds.
Elsewhere on the day, Laharum had a strong day on the netball court, winning three games from three.
The club's 13 & under side opened the day's competition with a 25-20 win against Kaniva Leeor United.
The Demon's 15 & under side then beat Natimuk United, 29-19.
And, in the afternoon, Laharum's C reserve side beat the Rams, 31-26.
Natimuk United did have a reason to celebrate though, with the club's C grade team beating Edenhope Apsley 35-33.
Edenhope Apsley was also eliminated from the 17 & under finals series with a 33-23 loss to Pimpino.
And, the Swifts B graders claimed a three-goal win against Harrow Balmoral, 35-32.