Hay Lions Netball Reports – Grand Final

7^th September 2024 - In Hay

A Grade (by Lani Houston)

Hay 62 defeated Murrabit 48

The Hay girls brought their best game of the season in a thrilling match to beat the competition leader and reigning premiers Murrabit 62-48. In perfect conditions for a grand final Hay came out strong from the start. The first two quarters were closely contested with both teams going goal for goal. Kellie Walker and Ellie Jamieson combined well in the circle shooting with accuracy and rebounding to convert. Hannah Stewart used her strong leads to pull in every centre pass and feed into the circle. Hay’s defensive pressure across the court was impressive, Sophie Stephens played one of her best games in GK shutting down their shooter and Maddie Mannes electric using her nimbleness and speed to grab intercepts. Jade Auldist was relentless in her hands over pressure on the ball and Toni Rivett provided that steady option through the middle court. Along with great support from Olivia Joyce, Jasmine Gregory, Sophie Tapper and Emily Caughey. Murrabit feeling the pressure started to make a few errors that Hay capitalised on. Hay spurred on by their home crowd edged away in the final quarter to win convincingly by 14 goals. A fantastic season for the Hay girls. They learned and grew as a team from every match and brought all their skills, patience, discipline and pressure together for the match that mattered most. The win was a real team effort, with GS Kellie Walker named Best on Court! Congratulations to the Hay girls for the first A Grade flag in history for the Lions. So proud!!

B Reserve (by Leaonnie Laracy)

Hay 41 defeated Ultima 28

In perfect netball conditions, Hay B Reserve took the court for the most important game of the season. To take victory Hay would need to get their own goals and also apply enough defensive pressure to turn ball over and then capitalise. The game plan was simple but executing in a GF game can sometimes prove difficult. Hay started shaky and were 4 goals down at first quarter break, but there was no panic as Hay knew what they were capable of. Hay refocused and produced a fantastic 2nd quarter, and at half time it was Hay 20 Ultima 15. This Hay BR team have never lost a game once they get their nose in front and today was going to be no different. Hay continued to push through the mid court, through Kylie Brettschneider, Talitha Brown and Emily Hill, whilst the best defence in the business Leslee Grahme, Jessica Weymouth and Courtney McDonald kept things tight and were making it difficult for Ultima to mount an attack. Hay’s shooters Lisa Lund and Trisha Jamieson were holding strong and making good decisions in the goal circle and when the siren sounded for the last time this season the girls were 13 goals in front and could be proud of the game they played. This season’s success was a true team effort and all 14 players, including Kirsten Hutchings, Rhiannon Moore, Leonnie Laracy, Emily Taylor, Matilda Nisbet and Hannah Jamieson contributed to get the team to the GF and big congratulations go to all BR on a great result - taking out the 2024 Premiership with a final score of 41 to 28.

Under 17’s (by Jade Auldist)

Ultima 40 defeated Hay 39

The Hay 17s netball girls put on a spectacular display of skill and determination, but ultimately fell short, losing by a single point, 40-39. The girls showed incredible teamwork, executing seamless passes, applying relentless pressure on their opponents, and creating numerous turnovers through intercepts and rebounds. The shooters worked in perfect harmony, converting perfect opportunities. Playing in front of their passionate home crowd in Hay added an extra layer of intensity to the match. The atmosphere was electric as the girls fought tooth and nail, leaving everything on the court. Despite their fantastic effort, the final whistle sounded with Hay trailing by a single point. The heartbreaking loss undoubtedly stings, but the girls can hold their heads high, knowing they gave it their all. Their performance in the grand final was a testament to their talent, dedication, and team spirit.

Under 14’s (by Hannah Stewart)

Murrabit 57 defeated Hay 47

The Hay under 14’s girls started strong in their first ever home grand final, their hunger and determination seen them take an early lead with their elite ball movement and extreme pressure over the ball. Murrabit were quick to answer back, resulting in a 4 goal lead at the end of the first quarter. The Hay girls continued to play amazing netball and never gave in to Murrabit taking the lead. They continued to push and excel in very warm conditions. Our shooters, Hannah Jamieson and Racheal Taylor were work horses in the ring. Their accuracy, positioning, rebounds and never give up attitude was unmatched. Jess Tapper and Poppy Barnes in the mid court were a dynamic duo, providing amazing support to our shooters with impeccable passing and applying pressure to get turnovers around the mid court. Hannah Edmonds, Evie Creighton and Maggie Shields were strong in defence, they had a tough match with Murrabit being stacked in the height department, but that didn’t stop them. The girls worked tirelessly all game, never giving, up, gaining intercepts and rebounds with their anticipation and applying great strategies and team work. Tilly Weeks, our most versatile player, was rotated through the mid court, in both attack and defence throughout the game, Tilly’s fresh legs brought great energy to the court, her ability to switch between positions and adjust to whatever is thrown at her is unmatched. Lily Books, Alaina May and India Phillips played a vital role in this squad throughout the season, even though they didn’t take the court on Saturday, the girls provided great encouragement and belief in the rest of the squad. The girls were essential to the team’s success this season. The girls gave it their all! But unfortunately were defeated by Murrabit with a final score of 57-47.