B GRADE
By MOLLY REDFERN
IN a somewhat unexpected result on Saturday, the Seymour Lions defeated reigning B Grade Premiers Euroa.
To rub salt into the wound, they did it at Memorial Oval in front of a large crowd which was evenly comprised of loyal supporters from both sides.
While Euroa were widely tipped to win the match, it was the Lions who came out firing, their shooters tall, accurate, and difficult to tame.
Grace Warnock played a blinder in defence, ably assisted by Kelly Hill and Ruby Watson on the wing.
Euroa struggled to find their usual effortless rhythm, with uncharacteristic turnovers and a lack of cohesion that allowed Seymour to seize momentum early.
Midcourters Bree Sudomirski, Millie Watson, and Abbie Ellis covered kilometres in their valiant attempts to stem the Lions’ attacking flow, working tirelessly under the bright blue skies.
At half-time, the underdogs were leading comfortably and starting to feel quite confident with the lead.
But Euroa are nothing if not persistent and staged an impressive comeback that saw them start to play the brand of netball they are renowned for, trailing by a mere two goals at the final break.
With shooters Molly Redfern, Bree Poole, and Sarah Ternes combining and moving well in a very physical goal ring, it began to look as if the natural order was going to reassert itself and the Magpies would snatch a hard-fought victory.
Unfortunately, comebacks take a lot of energy, draining tanks of reserve until there is nothing left.
The Magpies ran out of legs and time as Seymour went on to win by 10 goals.
Next week, Euroa travel to Mooroopna in what will be another tough game; but this time, they will be ready.
SCOREBOARD: Seymour 55 defeated by Euroa 45
BEST PLAYERS: Grace Warnock, Bree Sudomirski, Kelly Hill
17 AND UNDER
EUROA started with the centre pass, which was broken by Seymour but saved on the last line of defence by Evie O'Dwyer, who sent it back into attack, leading to Euroa's first goal from Avie Hill.
Pressure in the midcourt forced a turnover, followed by a long feed from Alice Ludlow into Avie for yet another goal.
Q1: Euroa 8 – Seymour 11.
Jade Raleigh, Ruby Fowler, and Bethan Burton applied strong defensive pressure through the midcourt, forcing turnovers.
Quick hands from Marnie Salter led to a goal.
Charli Pittock in GD forced Seymour to work hard in the ring.
Grace Hill (up from the 15s) took the court and made an immediate impact in her first 17 and Under game.
Half-time: Euroa 18 – Seymour 23.
Strong defensive pressure caused a Seymour centre error, and Grace followed with a fantastic intercept.
Jade received a penalty pass and sent it back into attack, where Marnie and Ruby worked the ball into the ring for another Euroa goal.
Q3: Euroa 26 – Seymour 34.
The Magpies continued to fight hard.
Marnie intercepted in the defensive midcourt to create another push forward.
Ruby pressured to create a turnover in the goal third.
Grace forced an error, backed up by Charli’s rebound.
It was a well-fought game by all, but unfortunately, Seymour was too strong on the day.
SCOREBOARD: Euroa 32 defeated by Seymour 50
BEST PLAYERS: Marnie Salter, Avie Hill, Grace Hill
15 AND UNDER
HAVING started the year well, Euroa’s 15 and Under girls continued this form, jumping out to a quick lead against Seymour.
Fast ball movement and accuracy in shooting from Lily Asquith and Avie Hill shot Euroa to an 11-4 lead at the first break.
Eager to build on their success, the girls forced several turnovers through the middle of the court.
Maisy Wilson, Bethan Burton, and Belle Ford continued to create clear leads and allowed the ball movement from defence to offence without too much hassle.
At half-time, Euroa led 28-9.
Despite Seymour making several positional changes in attack, both Grace Hill and Grace McKellar fought hard to deny any easy scores.
The addition of Daisy Cameron, playing her first game for the year, showed immediate success, with Daisy’s pressure forcing several loose balls.
At three-quarter time, Euroa led 37-15.
The last quarter allowed Tayla to move some players around, giving Bethan the chance to take her turn at shooting and allowing Lily to cause more havoc with her deadly passes close to the ring.
A great team game for Euroa’s 15 and Under.
SCOREBOARD: EUROA 23 defeated SEYMOUR 8
BEST PLAYERS: Avie Hill, Daisy Cameron, Bethan Burton