While Colbinabbin’s A-grade unit got the grand final glory it so richly deserved, the other two Grasshopper sides featured in the Heathcote District Netball League grand final weren’t so fortunate.
13-and-under
While Lockington-Bamawm United kicked off the Heathcote District Football Netball League grand final day in style, the Grasshoppers were the first victim of the day despite a spirited effort.
The Cats came into the contest with Colbinabbin as hot favourites, having put together an unbeaten record this season, but still needed to get over the final hurdle to claim the crown.
They did so clinically in a tough battle with the Grasshoppers, who refused to go away despite trailing for much of the contest.
The scoreline threatened to get out of hand when LBU made a run to lead 20-11 at halftime, but Colbo started the third well, pulling within five.
The Cats were able to regroup later in the period, and restored a lead of seven, 26-19, by the final change.
It was an advantage they held throughout the fourth, as the sides went shot for shot down the stretch, LBU claiming the title 31-25.
A-reserve
In a game that could have easily swung either way, it was Huntly that completed a grand final quaddie, outlasting Colbinabbin by a goal in the Heathcote District Football Netball League A-reserve grand final.
The powerful Hawks were out to a lead early, but Colbinabbin responded well to only trail by a handful of goals at quarter-time.
As the lead approached double digits, the game looked to be slipping from the Grasshoppers’ hands, but Colbo was equal to the challenge.
A strong end to the quarter saw Colbinabbin eat away at the Huntly lead and go into the main break only four in arrears, 30-26.
An even better third period for Hoppers saw it not only erase the deficit, but create a narrow lead of its own at 40-39.
The sides traded goals as neither could break centre advantage, but the upset looked well and truly on as the Hawks blinked first and Colbo capitalised to lead by three.
As time ticked on, it was unclear how many opportunities Huntly would have to close the gap, but the Hawks eventually found the opening to restore parity.
Huntly’s attacks were swift and clinical while Colbo scrapped for every goal, but eventually, it was the Hawks that made a run and broke four clear.
It looked as if there would be no time for a comeback, but the Hoppers had one last run in them.
Colbo was a goal circle entry away from levelling the scores in the final seconds.
Contact was called against Hoppers’ goal shooter Dominique Palmer in the contest for a lofted pass and the final siren sounded seconds later, as Huntly prevailed 53-52.
A-reserve coach Jen McIntyre paid credit to Huntly for winning throughout the year but praised her squad for almighty effort to come so close.