UNDER 13 FIVE

By LAUREN CUMMINS

The extra sleep in and a ray of sunshine made for a perfect morning of U13 netball.

Grandparents, Mums, Dads and friends were all out in force to support the Euroa girls in their elimination final against a tough Kyabram side.

Isla Healey and Skye Cameron ensured that Euroa’s centre passes were put to good use early, moving the ball quickly down the court, while Harlow Cummins slowed the ball movement in the defending end at each centre, allowing the goalers opportunities to keep the scores tight in the first quarter.

This week we welcomed back Harper Timperley, who took the court in WD.

Her fresh legs and speed benefited the defensive end with some great intercepts and forced turnovers.

Olivia Kelly played an instrumental role in GD, as she does every week, rebounding strongly and positioning herself well in the ring, making it tough for Kyabram goalers.

Euroa trailed by one goal at the main break.

Chloe Harvey-Bredden caused chaos in GK, removing the accurate Kyabram GS from the game in this quarter by keeping her tight to the post and limiting her movement. Euroa made up the deficit in this quarter to go into a nail-biting final term up by one goal.

The score was tight, leaving minimal room for error.

Lilly Cakebread’s height was a benefit in the goaling end and was nicely complemented by Makenzie Hamill’s agility in GA.

She was a joy to watch and displayed the desire for a finals win, putting away a solid 11 goals for the team throughout the game.

It was a beautiful day, with exciting netball and the opportunity to reset for another final after a one goal win.

Well done on a brilliant and hard-fought match this week, it was certainly one of the most skilled games of the season.

SCOREBOARD: Euroa 17 defeated Kyabram 16.

The coaches award this week went to the entire team for their tenacity and drive to win.

Fantastic effort by all.

UNDER 13 DIVISION ONE

By MELINDA WATSON

The Euroa Division one U13 Secondary team stepped into their first final with renewed belief, after beating top team Kyabram last week.

But going in as favourites is a bit of a danger, and the team knew they would need to work hard against Mooroopna to advance.

The young Magpies had the best start with an intercept on the first centre pass to score, their greatest asset being whole team pressure on every player on the court.

With every player covered, Euroa was able to force three second penalties and get many intercepts.

Issy Gordon, the intercept queen, also picked off numerous passes with impressive cleanness, while Isla Moore always had eyes for the ball and anticipated well.

Tully Watson was dynamic from the first centre, active around the ball and using her skill and accuracy to feed the goalers with flair.

Euroa won the first quarter 10 to 4 and set themselves up well.

In the following quarters, Euroa played relentless netball, with Ava Gordon combining well with Zara Hill and Evie Buchanan to score effectively.

Evie was particularly strong at the ball this week, creating opportunities for loose balls.

Mooroopna put in a zone, but it didn’t worry Molly Fowler, who was her speedy self and created many opportunities for her team.

Overall, the girls dominated all four quarters and head into the next final with great trust in their team members.

It was a whole team effort, but special mention goes to Issy, who hurt her finger yet soldiered on as the team had only seven players.

It was a gritty game from the defender.

Euroa now play Kyabram at 12.45pm Saturday.

Please come and cheer the girls if you can.

SCOREBOARD: Euroa 47 defeated Mooroopna 22.

UNDER 13s FOUR

By KRISTY HANNAM

The first finals game of the year saw Euroa face off with GSSC Geckos.

Euroa entered as undefeated all season.

The first quarter was tight, with Euroa taking the lead by one goal.

In the second half, Euroa extended their lead 16 to 12.

They remained in front at 24 to 21 and maintained their undefeated streak, winning the game 31 to 26.