Sport
22 September, 2023
Saints complete undefeated season
HORSHAM Saints has claimed back-to-back A Grade Wimmera netball premierships after claiming victory over Horsham in Saturday’s grand final at Dimboola. After finishing as minor premier through an undefeated season, the Saints topped their premiers...
HORSHAM Saints has claimed back-to-back A Grade Wimmera netball premierships after claiming victory over Horsham in Saturday’s grand final at Dimboola.
After finishing as minor premier through an undefeated season, the Saints topped their premiers and champions season with a 51-48 goal victory in front of a huge throng of supporters through the crowd.
The A Grade match was part of a big day of netball which saw the Saints take out three premierships for the day, while Horsham was successful in four of their six grand final appearances.
Horsham Saints held an advantage for much of the game, building their premiership through a big second term which saw them lead by nine goals at half time after leading by three at the first break, 14-11.
A tense battle through the court highlighted the pressure of the contest as the Saints nudged their way to the lead before consolidating its advantage in the second term when they outscored the Demons 14 goals to eight and gained a vital break at the major break.
Pressure through the midcourt was highlighted by Saints captain Ash Grace setting up scoring shots for shooter Jorja Clode who made the most of her chances as the Saints enjoyed a strong period of play through the second quarter.
The Demons swung some changes after half time with captain Georgie Carberry moving to centre and Romi Miller were able to match possessions through the court, teaming well with defenders Ebonie Salter and Marnie Lehmann, who came on to goal keeper.
But the Saints were able to maintain their scoring pressure through Clode and Hatcher Medallist Abby Hallam who teamed well to add a further 16 goals for the term.
Horsham lifted their scoring rate with 15 goals for the third term but faced a 10-goal deficit at three quarter time, 44-34.
The final term was a classic arm wrestle as the Demons worked to close the deficit and the Saints looking to maintain their advantage on the scoreboard.
The Demons closed the margin to three goals late in the match but the Saints were able to control the tempo of the final stages and maintain its advantage and take out premiership honours with their three-goal victory.
Grace and Hallam were prominent throughout the match as Clode finished with a game-high 39 goals, while for the Demons Carberry and Miller continued to team well through the court to set up shooter Georgia Batson for 28 goals.
Tipping off the day at 8.20 in the morning saw Horsham Saints start its day with a win in the 13 and Under game when they claimed a dominant 73-17 goal victory over Stawell, who had made their way to the grand final from fourth position.
In the 15 & Under clash, minor premier Horsham completed a dominant season when they claimed a 41-27 goal victory over Warrack Eagles, while in the 17 & Under match, Horsham Saints also completed an undefeated season when they claimed a 69-47 goal victory over Horsham with Jorja Clode starting a big day with 53 goals for the match.
Horsham produced a strong outing to claim the C Grade title when they defeated Stawell 46-33 and top an undefeated season, and were also successful in C Reserve when they claimed the closest match of the day with a 30-28 goal victory over Horsham Saints.
Topping a huge day on the court for the Horsham club, the B Grade title was taken out by the Demons who topped an undefeated season when they claimed a 51-34 goal victory.