Bats eye off finals after strong finish to home and away season

North Wangaratta: 3.4, 5.6, 8.6, 10.9 (69)

The seniors got off to a slow start in the first half while North Wangaratta were playing the better football, until Goorambat booted three goals following fifty meter penalties in the second quarter to reduce the difference to just one goal at half time.

The boys had a good third quarter kicking seven goals with some good football from Jamie Dunne in the middle, while Ben Reaburn played a great game down back, with the boys coming away with a good win at home before their finals campaign starting next week.

Congratulations boys in giving yourselves the chance to play finals football and good luck.

Best players: Jamie Dunne (Peter Davis Rural Award), Ben Reaburn (Goorambat Railway Hotel Award), Travers Nolan (Gladstone’s Ampol Fuel Award), Curtis Anker (Hollywood’s Pizza Award), Victor Butler (Gladstone’s Ampol Fuel Award), Zac Amarant (Quality Wool Award).

Goals: Brush Haebich 3, Dylan Beavis, Aaron Blackburn, Zac Amarant 2, Jamie Dunne, James Webb, Andy Ellis, Shannon Emmett.

Reserves

Goorambat: 0.2, 0.2, 3.5, 4.5 (29)

North Wangaratta: 2.2, 5.6, 9.8, 14.8 (92)

Goorambat reserves started their game against North Wangaratta well, keeping them to just two goals in the first quarter with some good football, but were not able to hit the score board themselves.

Simon Briggs was the stand out for the boys, along with Jonty Priest and Mitch Dansey continuing their good form for the season, while down back Jeremy Hill was standing up on the last line of defence.

Well done boys for sticking together in what was a tough year with just the three wins, but the way you stuck to the task each week was a credit to you all.

Best players: Simon Briggs (Bouwmeesters Bakery Award), Jonty Priest (Hollywood’s Pizza Award), Mitch Dansey (Gladstone’s Ampol Fuel Award), Damien Walker (Royal Hotel Award), Jeremy Hill (Quality Wool Award), Dylan Barber (Royal Hotel Award).

Goals: Simon Briggs 2, Jack Trevena, Dylan Barber.

Netball

A Grade

Goorambat 75 def North Wangaratta 26

The Bats had a great win on the weekend rolling into the finals series. Molly Doidge came out with plenty of pressure and drive. Chelsea Bamford stepped up in defence providing plenty of turnovers, while Amelia Gall worked her way into the game solidly with her experience and decision making.

Best: Molly Doidge (Riverbank Cash Award), Chelsea Bamford (Goorambat Railway Hotel Award), Amelia Gall (Hume Solar Drink Award)

B Grade

Goorambat 51 def North Wangaratta 39

The B grade Bats went out strong in the first quarter holding a 16-goal lead. Grace Handley worked really hard in the mid court with strong drives and great offerings into the ring. Tiffany Kirkpatrick also working the ball hard into the shooters.

At half time the bats still led North Wang by 18 goals, with Sophie Hammond and Aneiki Pierce complimening each other in goal shooter and goal attack, working hard for accuracy.

Going into the third quarter the girls were getting tired, but Kelsey Moss, Nikki Wallace and Fiona Doig worked tirelessly in the defensive end, working hard to make plenty of turnovers.

Going into the fourth quarter 11 goals up the girls needed to work hard to maintain their steady lead. Tayla Dempster and Maddy Dunne applied strong pressure sharing the wing defence position. Carli Brennan, returning from injury, was welcomed back with open arms and provided great feeds into the ring. We are looking forward to the first week of finals next week.

Best: Grace Handley (G&S Gall Cash Award), Tiffany Kirkpatrick (Goorambat Railway Hotel Award), Tayla Dempster (Hume Solar Drink Award), Carli Brennan (Terry White Chemmart Award)

B Reserve

Goorambat 17 def by North Wangaratta 35

It was the final appearance for the Bats 2025 season, and with a couple of injuries and a few away it made for some different line ups and combinations.

Erin Hernan played well at both ends of the court while Kate Nolan did the same, with rebounds being her strength this week. Abby Hammond played another consistent game this week, and combined well with Bri Putt and Ella Woods. Jord Hancock came into the WD and gave a huge amount of support and back up, while Kirby Davis shot a goal.

Congratulations to the girls for making it through the season, although the girls didn’t win they most definitely had a very fun game.

Best: Erin Hernan (Muscle Mend), Bri Putt (Advanced Ag), Hayley Marciniak (Hume Solar), Abby Hammond (Bill-Bo-Pop)

C Grade

Goorambat 45 def North Wangaratta 26

Award Sponsors: Hume Solar, Willspread Contracting, Spot 4 Ice Cream, Terry White Chemmart

U15s

Goorambat 13 def by North Wangaratta 51

Heading into the last round of the season the girls went in pumped and keen to take the court, coming out strong with some great movement. It was a well matched game for the young girls.

North Wang shooters shot well. Meika Smith played out of position and showed her skills in wing attack, feeding well to our strong handed shooters and giving the team the steadiness. Estelle Doig like always created some beautiful movement and showed us all that her understanding of the game is there.

Eliza Keen played a very determined defensive game with half a dozen intercepts for the game. The girls have really showed their resilience this year. They should all be proud of themselves. All of them have improved so much individually and it is starting to show.

Let’s stick together as a team girls so that the learning can continue.

Best: Meika Smith (Hume Solar Canteen Award), Estelle Doig (Spot 4 Ice Cream Award), Eliza Keen (Spot 4 Ice Cream Award)