Ararat Advertiser | TATYOON netballers proved their dominance by taking home three premiership cups in the Mininera and District Netball Association.

The 15 and unders, 17 and unders and C grade Hawks all claimed wins on grand final day at Willaura on September 19.

Tatyoon’s 15 and unders scored a 27-18 premiership victory against Moyston/Willaura.

The game started slowly as players from both teams displayed nerves and some strain under the pressure. It was Tatyoon that slipped into rhythm mid-way through the opening term and the Hawks were able to establish a three goal lead at quarter time.

Tatyoon had the luxury of being able to bring fresh players on during the break with Georgia Culph coming on as goal shooter and having an immediate impact.

She opened the circle up and scored the team’s six goals for the second quarter. Culph was combining well with Genevieve Bush, who went on to be named as the best player for the match.

Moyston/Willaura’s Kiara Pitcher was dynamic through the mid court and was able to pick off some great intercepts. Her delivery into Monique Dowling in the goal circle was of a high standard but at times needed to look to the goal shooter whom at times positioned herself better than Dowling.

Tatyoon took a five goal lead into the main break. The Hawks obviously regrouped during the break as the third quarter, the ‘premiership’ quarter, belonged to them.

Alice Astbury pulled off some great intercepts in defence for Tatyoon and continually pushed the ball into attack, leaving Culph to finish off. Culph’s opponent Hannah Wells worked hard all game and has had a great final series but she was unable to shut down Tatyoon’s hard working attack.

In the 17 and under grand final, Tatyoon took home the premiership cup following a 26-19 win over Penshurst.

Penshurst went into the game as favourites and will be rueing the one that got away. The Hawks played a steady and controlled game which saw them win the most important game of the season.

Both teams started slowly with Penshurst unable to make the most of their opportunities. While the Bombers appeared to have plenty of possession early, they couldn’t make it count on the score board. Tatyoon, through the persistent and strong work of Maggie Astbury at goal attack, was able to take a one goal advantage into the first break.

Alice Astbury came into the game at wing attack for the second quarter and later moved into the centre for the second half which was a winning move by Tatyoon. Astbury provided more run through the mid court and was able to cause those all-important turnovers which proved costly for the opposition. She deservedly went on and took out the best on court player medallion.

Tatyoon’s lead pushed out to two at half time. The Bombers’ Leah Rentsch was again tough in the contests and the dual between her and Maggie Astbury was the highlight of this match. Both players were solid contributors for their respective team.

Lauren McCarthy increased her work load for the third quarter and became a focal point in the ring. She scored eight of the team’s ten goals for the quarter in a great display of shooting. The quarter belonged to Tatyoon, who were able to restrict Penshurst to just two goals. Catherine Phillips and Madison Joyce played close to their opponents and were able to pick off any loose balls.

Tatyoon’s lead was eight at the last break and the Hawks continued to play controlled netball to win by seven goals.

Tatyoon claimed a thrilling C grade grand final contest against Hawkesdale/Macarthur, 24-23.

This was a terrific contest between two very even line-ups. Both teams had plenty of scoring opportunities in the first quarter but were unable to put any distance between themselves and the opposition. The game was played from the defence ends with both teams unable to string together consecutive goals. Tatyoon were able to take a one goal lead into the first quarter interval. Emily Reynolds was lively during the second quarter and with some great delivery in and around the circle by mum Tracey, Tatyoon were able to score more freely.

Again both teams made some simple errors even though the game was of pretty good standard.

Tatyoon’s defence were able to restrict the scoring power of the Eagles while Reynolds was allowed too much space at the other end, giving her plenty of uncontested ball. Heidi Astbury was influential through the mid court for Tatyoon, remaining calm and taking the ball slowly down the court. She played close to her opponent and was able to restrict her influence on the game.

Tatyoon’s lead had pushed out to four at the main break. Hawkesdale/Macarthur showed some extra desire after the break with some great passages of play resulting in goals. Wing attack Emily Huglin was behind the resurgence, providing some much needed drive through the mid court.

Huglin also took some timely intercepts which slowed the opposition up. She is a strong deliverer of the ball but it was her encouragement and support to fellow team mates that was most notable. Huglin went on to win the best on court medallion as judged by the umpires. Emma Hines had a better third quarter for the Eagles and had started to find more of the ball, finishing off strongly. Hawkesdale/Macarthur reduced the margin to just one at three quarter time.

At times during the quarter, both teams looked like they would break away but the other was able to break back and take the lead.

Players lifted their intensity and spectators were treated to some great netball, with Tatyoon clinching the win by the barest of margins.

The B grade grand final produced another close result with Hawkesdale/Macarthur turning their fortunes around.

After going down by one goal in C grade, it hung onto defeat Woorndoo Mortlake by a goal (32-31) in B grade.

A grade saw a tough contest played out between Glenthompson/Dunkeld and Penshurst.

In the end it was the Rams that got over the line, defeating the Bombers 43-34.

Presentation of the A grade cup, proudly sponsored by Ace Radio, was conducted by Mininera netball president Anne-Maree Huglin and sponsor Rowly Patterson after the match.