Nagambie’s senior footballers came agonisingly close to pulling off a finals victory on the weekend, falling to Rushworth by a single point in a gripping contest.

The Lakers trailed narrowly throughout the match but stayed in touch thanks to the efforts of key players and a spirited response from non playing coach, Hayley Taylor-Lloyd.

“We said from the start we wanted to get our skill set going," Taylor-Lloyd said at quarter time.

"The intensity and effort’s there but if we want to bring them inside the fifty, then it’s got to be clean.

'You can’t be second guessing that disposal; we’ve got to be a lot more intense.

"It’s finals but we’ve got to be smart and put the foot down a little firmer now.”

Nagambie responded with bursts of attacking football, but Rushworth held firm and eventually took the win, 9.12 (66) to 9.11 (65).

Best players: Mark Nolan, Lucas McKinnon, Ryan Coll, Tyrone Muir, Tom Barnes, and Josh Walker stood out in a brave performance.

Goal kickers: Tom Barnes, Will Dalton, and Mark Nolan each finished with two goals, keeping the scoreboard pressure alive until the final siren.

Avenel FNC Reserves fought hard in their final but were ultimately outclassed by Stanhope, going down 3.3.21 to 5.8.38.

Despite the loss, the Swans showed plenty of determination across the ground, with strong performances from Lachlan McKenzie, Callum Williams, and Thomas Dando. Tylah Long battled tirelessly, while Jason Harvey and Matthew Lomax were also among the best.

Up forward, Jason Harvey, Angus Norris and Nathan Thomas provided the goals in a spirited effort.

Nagambie’s netballers showcased plenty of grit in their finals outings, with close contests across the grades.

NETBALL

In a heart-stopping finish, Nagambie’s B Grade side fell just short against Merrigum.

The game was goal for goal in the final minutes, with both teams lifting their intensity under pressure.

Avenel C Grade went down by 9 goals to Murchison to end their finals run.

Nagambie under 13s will be taking on Girgarre oni Saturday for a spot in the grand final.