Sonic goal keeper Mel Keath pressures Roosters shooter Eliza Dwyer in the Warrnambool City Netball Association A grade grand final last night. The Roosters lifted late to claim a two-goal victory.
A SOUTH Warrnambool composite side snatched victory in the Warrnambool City Netball Association’s A grade grand final last night.
The Roosters, a combined team of junior and senior players, jumped out to an early lead, only to be pegged back by the gallant Sonic.
With less than two minutes on the clock, South rallied and made the most of a Mikaela Gleeson intercept to seal the win 31-29.
Roosters captain Sophie Pattison, who was named player of the match, expected a close game.
“We have lost to them in grand finals before,” she said.
“Sonic have always been really tough.”
The Roosters looked the class outfit in the first quarter, moving the ball with pace and accuracy.
Emily Allen and Gleeson combined at goal defence and goal keeper respectively to shut down Sonic goal attack Marli Alderson and her mother Liz Alderson.
Centre Ruby Wilson and wing attack Pattison were reliable in attack and worked equally as hard to apply defensive pressure.
The Roosters led 10-7 at the first break.
“Our main goal was to get off to a good start,” Pattison said.
“I took myself off to give some of our younger players a run.”
Roles were reversed in the second term as Sonic found momentum. The unflappable Marli put on a shooting clinic from all ranges and sister Rachel Alderson strengthened in the centre against Wilson. Sonic skipped ahead 17-16 at half-time.
Sonic, predominantly made up of Old Collegians netballers, slammed on the first three goals of the third term before the Roosters came charging back, equalising at 22-all with two minutes to play before sneaking in front 23-22 at the last change.
The South outfit netted the opening goal of the fourth quarter to open a two-goal buffer.
After countless attempts, Sonic finally levelled scores at 29-all with 90 seconds to play and had a chance to steal the lead but Gleeson stretched for an intercept under the post, which was soon converted at the other end of the court by Dwyer.
The Roosters capitalised off their next centre to ensure the win.