By David Ball
Netball
Yarra Glen was proudly represented in the Division 1 Semi-Finals on Saturday at Yarra Junction with A and B Grade teams competing.
In A grade, Yarra Glen played Emerald and jumped out of the blocks to be leading 15-6 at quarter time. Katelyn Vanderkolk and Peta Fay were superb in defence.
Emerald lifted in the second but the Yarra Glen team absorbed the extra pressure and extended their lead to be 26-14 ahead at halftime.
The third quarter was similar, both sides moved the ball well but Yarra Glen was more composed and with Steph Gibbs converting well in goal, Yarra Glen held a commanding 15-goal lead at 3 quarter time. With the game well in hand, Yarra Glen eased up in the last quarter as Emerald kept trying hard. The final score of Yarra Glen 42 to Emerald 31.
Best for Yarra Glen were Jacqui Hibberd, Chelsea Birchall and Peta Fay, with Steph Gibbs finishing off the good work with 28 goals.
Next Saturday Yarra Glen plays Seville in the Preliminary final at Woori Yallock.
In B Grade Yarra Glen played Belgrave in the cutthroat first Semi-Final. Yarra Glen started slowly but worked hard and improved their ball handling to get back into the game. It was a thrilling encounter with the final quarter a goal-for-goal battle. Yarra Glen levelled the scores in the dying seconds to see the game finish at 41 – 41 when the siren sounded. This meant that extra time was needed to break the deadlock and decide who was to progress to the Preliminary final.
Belgrave was able to control things just a little better than Yarra Glen and basically, just the one turnover made the difference as Belgrave ended up winners, 48 to Yarra Glen 46.
Best for Yarra Glen were Kim Williams, Bree Pascoe Fraser and Gemma Ryan.
It was a great effort, especially as the club moved up a Division from last year.
