Boisdale Briagolong is the common denominator in the “B”, “C” and “D” grade netball grand finals on East Gippsland Football Netball League grand final day at the Bairnsdale City Oval this Saturday.
They will face spirited opposition from Wy Yung in “B” and “D” grade, and Lucknow in “C” grade.
The “B” grade finale certainly has some added interest now after minor premier Lucknow went out in straight sets. Wy Yung beat the Magpies by eight goals in the qualifying final before the Bombers made a huge statement, smashing them by 22 in the preliminary final to set up an intriguing battle.
The sides met three times in the home and away season, with the Tigers winning the first two contests by one and two goals, and the Bombers winning the final match on August 8 by two goals. There is absolutely nothing between the two outfits, with luck on the day and who handles the pressure and expectation best the likely winner.
Lindsey Coridas, Daniel Pirona and Krystal Croft are set to be vital players for the Bombers, while the Tigers will be looking for big performances from Symantha Churches and Jazz Anstee.
“C” GRADE
The “C” grade contest looms as a classic after double overtime was needed to separate the sides in the qualifying final at Lucknow, where the Bombers eventually got home over the minor premier by two goals.
The Magpies bounced back last week with a hard-fought six-goal win over arch-rival Wy Yung to set up another tantalising fixture.
Chloe Orchard, the league best and fairest winner, is the player to watch for the Bombers against a Lucknow side that contains some more than handy players like Emma Sanford and Bess Smith-Entink. The Magpies looked like the side to beat all season, but they appear to have come back to the pack slightly. If they can get back to their mid-season form, they could still claim the pennant. Otherwise, a couple of untidy turnovers or a missed shot or two could ultimately decide who takes the premiership
cup home.
“D” GRADE
The Bombers are a powerhouse in
“D” grade. Unbeaten all season, they look like the side to beat, with league best
and fairest winner Shelby Hardeman their star player.
An upset seems unlikely, but the Tigers held their nerve in a thrilling preliminary final win after the hooter last week in overtime against Lucknow. They have plenty of experience in their lineup, led by Barbie Dobson and Lorren Cole, but they will face stiff opposition from a quality opponent who got the job done last year and looks likely to do so again.
