Sport
12 September, 2022
Avoca’s 45-game winning run comes to an end at the hands of Natte Bealiba
Avoca’s incredible winning streak has come to an end at 45 games, with a determined Natte Bealiba team progressing to the MCDFNL A grade netball grand final following a stunning four-quarter performance on Saturday afternoon. Testament to the...
AVOCA (47) def by NATTE BEALIBA (57)
Avoca’s incredible winning streak has come to an end at 45 games, with a determined Natte Bealiba team progressing to the MCDFNL A grade netball grand final following a stunning four-quarter performance on Saturday afternoon.
Testament to the performance of the Swans on Saturday, they were able to lead every quarter, leading by as much as 15 goals at three-quarter-time, before easing to a 10-goal victory, 57-47.
The Swans got off to the better start, and although the margin was just three goals at the first change, there were danger signs early on when Natte Bealiba were able to generate 23 opportunities at goal to the Bulldogs’ 14.
In truth, Natte Bealiba’s mid-court pressure was immense. The work of Ella Tranter through mid-court, and the reading of the play from Naomi Medlyn, were key factors in the Swans frequently winning the ball in the mid-court, and put simply, were able to create many looks at goal.
The Swans shot clear in the second quarter, with goal shooter Melissa Oliver performing very well. After shooting 13 goals in the first quarter, she shot an incredible 17 goals in the second to take her personal tally to 30 by half time, while the Swans were able to lead 33-24 thanks to an 18-goal to 12 second period.
The third quarter saw the Swans perform at their best, suffocating Avoca’s ball movement and only allowing the Bulldogs 11 shots at goal, while having 24 shots themselves. A 15-goal to nine quarter meant they had all but booked their spot in the grand final, leading 48-33.
The third quarter saw the Swans perform at their best, suffocating Avoca’s ball movement and only allowing the Bulldogs 11 shots at goal, while having 24 shots themselves. A 15-goal to nine quarter meant that they had all-but booked their spot in the grand final, leading 48-33.
Avoca played their best quarter in the last as they desperately tried to preserve their winning streak, making significant changes throughout the game, including moving goal shooter Maddy Egan to goal attack, while also shifting Caitlin Drummond to goal defence. However, despite their best efforts, shooting 14 goals to nine, it was the Swans’ day, eventually winning by 10 goals.
Coach Sue Borserio was in awe of what the Swans had achieved, as they now look to win their first premiership since 2011 when they play Lexton on Saturday afternoon.
“I’m just really happy for the club. With all these clubs coming back to community sport, it’s been a big lift for a club like ours, with not much of a town out there, but there’s plenty of spirit. I think today, it showed through our players that they wanted this so much,” she said.
Borserio singled out the efforts of Sharelle Martin, who backed up from playing the entire B grade preliminary final to play her role on Avoca’s attacking forces in Egan and Gina Beavis, while also paying tribute to the team’s execution of the game plan.
“They were prepared to do the physical side of things, not as in hurting people, but to give 100 percent. Every single player is spent — our goalkeeper, Sharelle Martin, played two games in B grade and A grade as we just haven’t had the players. We’ve had two serious injuries. The heart that they have shown, it’s just going to be a real lift for the people,” she said.
“It comes down to the trust you have between the coach and players. The girls’ trust that they had in me this week, but also today when I told them what I wanted them to do, was met with the attitude that they’ll do it. They executed our plan and trusted me, and they did it perfectly.
“We now need to look at recovering for Saturday, with both A and B grade back in next week, which means we will need to use the whole squad again. We’re excited about the grand final — and we just need to win one more now.
“I messaged all the girls Saturday morning, telling them I had this wave come over me and had a really positive vibe. I told them to get around me when we all get here because I felt we could win, and I hadn’t felt that for about a month. A lot of things just seemed to fit in place, and I trusted those girls to execute my plan.”
While the work of Medlyn, Tranter and goal attack Shannae Mills stood out on the day, Borserio was quick to stress that the Swans’ achievements would not have been possible without an even performance across the board.
“It would not have worked with just three standouts. When we took to the court initially, we had six players. So when we call upon players, it’s why we call it a squad, and that’s the way it has been all year long. Every single player who has come up and played when we needed them has performed — including today, with Shelby Steel coming on, and Jess White had to come on for a bit,” she said.
“They cannot do it without everyone committing to the game plan, and from the best players to the subs, they knew what our structures were and what we had committed to.”