By Alex Woods
The grand final day was here, and the Warburton-Millgrove Football Netball Club had its A-grade netball and Senior Footy sides in the grand final.
The Netball started at midday, taking on Seville. Just as warm-up started, the rain arrived heavily, with some hail in the mix too. The game started intensely and kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Warby were two goals up at the quarter- time break, but Seville soon caught up, resulting in an even score going into the half-time break. It was a match filled with skill, physicality, and fierce competition for the ball from both teams. Ally and Indi put on a great defensive display, creating turnovers, while the rest of the team worked together to bring the ball down the court for Bianca and Karly to convert into goals. Seville managed to take a 1-goal lead heading into the last quarter, and that’s when the crowd really got into the game. It was goal for goal; Seville would take a modest lead, but the Burras would respond soon after. This pattern continued throughout the quarter until the final siren, resulting in a tied score. Another 5 minutes at each end, to hopefully result in a winner. Again, the crowd picked up, and the game was on. 5 minutes had passed, and it was a straight swap on ends to continue for another 5. Burras secured a lead by a couple of goals, but Seville soon matched it to make it even again. The scores were tied, and the ball was in the Burras’ end with 10 seconds left. A quick movement by Bianca Daniels in the goal ring, along with some speedy passes from Jessie Hare, set up Bianca for a shot just under the ring with 5 seconds remaining. She made the shot, and as the siren sounded, the Burras won by 1 goal in overtime. This was a back-to-back-to-back premiership win for the Burras and one of the best netball Grand Finals/or games to witness by both clubs.
Senior footy was then on next with a tough game against Healesville. Healesville had secured the win against the Burras’ boys all season, only winning the first final by 5 points a couple of weeks back. The rain set back in again as the game started, which didn’t help create a good game of footy. The score line was 13-0, Healesville’s way at the quarter-time break. The Burras managed to kick a goal in the second quarter by Tom Marr. Healesville matched them with a goal as well, heading into the halftime break with a score line of 20-8. The third quarter unfolded similarly, with Healesville scoring only 8 points. Warby still had a chance heading into the last quarter, but a new game plan was necessary. The ball ventured down Healesville’s end, which resulted in them securing two behinds and another goal. Burras managed to get the ball into their 50 and have three shots at the goals, but it resulted in them being all points. Healesville changed the game, using their experience and skills to secure themselves another four goals, and the game was ultimately theirs. They were a mature and experienced side, which managed to secure them the win. The final score was 9.9- 63 to 1.5-11. Although it hurt, the Burras have improved immensely, securing their first final win only a couple of weeks back in 18 years and playing in a Grand Final for the first time for all the team but two players. There was much to be proud of. Onto next year for the club, where the Burras will only get stronger.
