Lucknow will go into Saturday’s East Gippsland netball grand final against Orbost Snowy Rovers at the Bairnsdale City Oval as an unbackable favourite.
The Magpies under new coach Erica Lynch have taken all before them in 2024, only suffering one defeat, back in round six at the hands of Stratford, who failed to make the finals.
The sides have met three times throughout the home and away season with Lucknow victorious by four, 29 and nine goals.
Orbost Snowy Rovers coach Hayley Boxall concedes her side has a tough task but victory is possible, with her team young, fit and playing with a great synergy.
“We pushed them in round one and were right in the game in the final round,” she said.
“We have finally got back to full strength but we will all need to play our role and play at our best over the four quarters, but we can do it.”
The Blues will go into the match after scoring great wins over Boisdale Briagolong and Wy Yung in consecutive weeks, their impressive form not lost on Lynch.
“They have been impressive and have an even spread of talent across the board, they have good rebounders at each end, but we are up for the challenge,” Lynch said.
The fast moving centre has been on the losing end in the past two grand finals while playing for Wy Yung, but is no stranger to grand final glory have played in numerous premierships throughout a long and decorated career.
Lynch has been an instant success at Lucknow, her side improving each week, and she’s treating this week as another game.
“We are following our normal preparation, the vibe is great at present, which it has been all season. That bond on and off the court has seen us improve and understand each other’s games,” Lynch said.
The game will start at 2.20pm.
