A Grade’s Indy Fraunfelder in attack under pressure from Panther opponents.
Corowa Rutherglen 34 def by Lavington 36
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Corowa Rutherglen’s A Grade have fallen short of an elusive premiership dream, bowing out to Lavington in last Sunday’s minor semi-final.
Under overcast skies at the Albury Sports Ground, the Roo girls needed a win to advance to the preliminary final against arch-rivals Yarrawonga.
A Grade Lou Madden and Sally Hunter in goals.
The Roos started quickly, with shooter Lou Madden sinking the opening goal.
Seemingly settling in under pressure early however the tempo soon settled into a stalemate, with both sides going end to end without adding much to the scoreboard.
A breakthrough came through with Tamir Richardson’s clean centre passes, linking beautifully with Madden’s skill and poise.
At just 21, Madden has been a consistent shot in attack for the Roos, shooting 718 goals at 80.49% delivering the of goals all season.
Sitting at 5-1 Corowa’s way it was looking good.
A Grade Tamir Richardson looks for the best option to pass into goals.
However Lavington clawed back momentum with a three-goal burst that cut into Corowa’s lead at quarter-time. The quarter ended with a 6 to 4 score line for Roos.
Olivia Sanson and Erin Haberecht were critical in steadying the Panthers and keeping them in touch.
It took some brilliance from former junior Emily Laracy to reassert Corowa’s dominance, setting up the defensive line with her pressure and intercepts.
The Roos pushed their lead out to seven goals, but the Panthers fought back, reducing the half-time deficit to 16–12.
Sally Hunter intercepting in the A Grade.
Lavington were able to swing momentum at the start of the third term, with Corowa’s attack end finding it hard to settle into a rhythm.
Panthers outscored Corowa three goals to one, and had the Roos on the back foot.
A change in attack saw Indi Frauenfelder enter at GA, which steadied Corowa briefly, but a controversial goal after the buzzer gave the Panthers a handy one goal lead at three-quarter time.
Playing coach Sally Hunter shuffled the players in the final term, changing ends for three-time Toni Wilson Medal winner Sophie Hanrahan into GA.
The VNL MVP delivered under pressure, sinking crucial shots and keeping the Roos in touch as the match went goal for goal.
The crowd were willing the Roos home, but in the end, Lavington had the answers, clinching the game and ending Corowa’s season in heartbreak.
It was a defender’s game, with best-on-court honours going to Emily Laracy, who was a force in the backline at GK.
A Grade Sally Hunter passes into attack.
Her relentless pressure, tips, working well with Hanrahan who also impressed, in defence before jumping into the GA position.
Leah Keating was consistent throughout, keeping Toni Wilson Medallist Maddi Lloyd under constant pressure.
B Grade Roo girls bow out in semi final
North Albury 37 def Corowa Rutherglen 30.
B Grade Lisa French and Kiara Corkett in goals.
B Grade took to the court for their semi-final just as the rain clouds broke over the Albury Tigers ground on Sunday.
Coming off A Grade’s heartbreaking loss and contending with slippery conditions, the pace of the game shifted for both sides.
The Roo girls had not yet beaten the Hoppers this season and knew it would be a tough challenge. Still, they approached the match with positivity and determination, ready to fight hard for a win.
The B Grade Defensive unit was fighting hard in the wet against the Hoppers.
Corowa Rutherglen were methodical and consistent in the opening quarter, dropping just one centre pass.
As the rain grew heavier in the second quarter, the game remained goal for goal, with both sides locked in a tight contest.
Heading into the final quarter, the Roos trailed by only two goals and were still very much in the fight.
B Grade’s Kelsea Bullivant passing a short pass to Lisa French.
In the last term, however, the Hoppers capitalised on some crucial turnovers and converted with accuracy.
The Roos struggled to maintain the defensive pressure they had shown earlier, and the Hoppers pulled away.
The Roo girls eventually went down by seven goals, bringing their finals campaign to an end.
Kelsea Bullivant looks to defend a Hoppers attacking entry.
Best on court: Kelsea Bullivant, Remi Longmire and Lisa French.
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