A broken goal post forced East Warrnambool and Deakin University netballers to shift the action from Reid Oval to neighbouring Walter Oval.

The Sharks were narrowly leading the Warrnambool and District league A grade match when the remarkable incident occurred in the second quarter.

It had the hallmarks of Leigh Matthews’ famous run-in with a point post which snapped at Windy Hill during a footy match against Essendon in 1982.

But this time a suspected rusty post — not the ball — was to blame as players and coaches were left wondering what would happen next.

“We just laughed and said ‘oh no’,” Deakin University coach Kim Jamieson said.

“The whole goal post went over and we were thinking ‘now what are we going to do?’.”

Jamieson said the post broke during a contest between Sharks defender Lisa Anders and Bombers shooter Louise Place.

“It must’ve been pretty rusty because all they did was lean on the goal post. It wasn’t a major issue of them pushing each other around,” she said.

Redevelopment works near the second court at Reid Oval meant it was unsafe to use, necessitating the shift to Walter Oval.

“We didn’t want to waste the game. Our girls were going really well, they wanted to finish it off,” East coach Aimee Drew said.

Deakin University won the match 34-31, holding firm in the last quarter despite East Warrnambool winning the period 8-4.

Melissa Burt dropped 20 goals for the the Sharks, while Liz Fowler was best on court. Melissa Hunt  (18 goals) was the Bombers’ best.

Jamieson believed the Sharks “would’ve won by a lot more” had the post not snapped.

Drew, by contrast, rued the one that got away. She believed the Bombers were “a far better team” but failed to convert their opportunities.

In other WDFNL A grade matches, Russells Creek put its first win on the board with a 43-30 home-court win over Nirranda.

Emma Rodgers was the star for the Kangaroos, shooting 27 goals, while Nikole Sullivan was brilliant in defence.

Elsewhere, Merrivale was too strong for South Rovers, winning 48-22, with Haley Kelson shooting an incredible 42 goals.

Panmure remains unbeaten after a convincing 52-23 win over Allansford at Panmure and Timboon Demons upstaged Dennington 52-43 at Timboon.