In an ultimate upset win, Orbost Snowy Rovers snatched premiership glory from minor premier Lucknow in the East Gippsland Football Netball League “A” grade netball grand final last Saturday at Bairnsdale City Oval.
Lucknow only lost one match this season in round six to Stratford and went into the grand final as heavily backed favourites against the Blues.
In the three times the two teams met in the home and away season Lucknow was victorious by four, 29 and nine goals – everything pointed to a Lucknow win.
But with a strong crowd behind them, Orbost took down the Magpies by seven goals to take home the trophy comfortably.
In what was a tight first quarter, both sides fought hard for control of the ball, however it was Orbost who scored first, much to the delight of its supporters.
Lucknow’s quick team plays didn’t take long to kick in, with fast-moving coach Erica Lynch and Sarah Redenbach in wing attack and centre making light work of getting the ball into shooters Emma Sanford and Macy Tatnell.
Orbost Snowy didn’t make it easy for the Magpies, with defenders Jorja Savory and Jewel Catlin working hard to stop those crucial passes from going in the ring.
By the end of the first quarter, Lucknow had taken the lead by four goals.
Some shaky shooting from Orbost early in the second quarter and strong defensive pressure from Lucknow kept the Blues at a four-goal deficit by half time, but it was the third quarter where Orbost turned the tide.
With the crowd becoming increasingly excited, it didn’t take long for the Blues to level the score thanks to some excellent shooting from Karina Robinson and coach Hayley Boxall, who couldn’t seem to miss.
A number of intercepts in the centre third from both sides kept the crowd on the edge of their seats, however it was Orbost who won the tussle, allowing it to forge ahead by four goals at three quarter time.
Despite the pressure, the Blues held firm as the final quarter began, quickly turning over Lucknow’s mistakes with the cracks starting to show.
Robinson and Boxall continued their strong work in the ring, adding 11 goals compared to Lucknow’s eight.
With the clock ticking down, the Magpies refused to drop their heads as they tried to close the margin, but as the siren rang, it was Orbost who took the underdog victory.
Orbost’s Jorja Savory was named best on court for her consistent work in goal defence.
Final score: 44 Orbost Snowy Rovers d Lucknow 37
