C-grade Towners deliver highlight with huge upset in round nine

The Towners knew it was going to be tough against the top team, however they set goals at training and focused on the key areas they knew needed improvement, particularly on intensity both in attack and defence.

Towners were proud of their efforts despite losing by 25. Kayla Gracie was named best on as her centre pass receives improved, and she implemented numerous things from training which was great to see. Prue Holmes was also named in the best, providing invaluable steadiness from defence to attack. Towners are excited to build on the form they had from the game.

B-grade

Shepparton East 53 defeated Violet Town 30

It was always going to be a tough feat for Violet Town to try and knock off ladder leaders Shepp East at home on Sunday. A task made even tougher as the Towners were depleted through illness and clashing calendar. Despite being dealt a tough hand, the Towners showed the depth in their club by pulling several C grade players up to help who held their own.

Shepp East were definitely the stronger team on the day, but the Towners had some shining moments, even winning a quarter, but it wasn’t enough after a slow first quarter. Macey Ross was a pillar of strength in goals and Ash Antonis took on four different positions, dominating in all of them and this earn them both awards. Despite the loss, it was a solid effort from the Towners.

C-grade

Shepparton East 31 defeated by Violet Town 32

Yes, you read that right. Shepparton East were defeated.

Until Sunday, top of the ladder Shepp East were undefeated and looked like they may finish the season that way. But a ninth-placed Violet Town fuelled by a new confidence, decided this was the week they would prove how strong they can play.

Every single player in the Towners' squad played their best game of the season, but most importantly, they played as a team and had each other's back from the first minute to the dying seconds.

Shepp East took the first quarter, but their lead was narrow, and in the first break huddle, the Towners called it, we can do this. From then on, they were back in the game, caught up, and then it was goal for goal for the rest of the quarter.

In the final quarter, with excitement high and the Towners’ supporting cheering them on, they stretched their lead to four goals with three minutes remaining. Then Shepp East clawed back and with 40 seconds to go, Shepp East had possession.

It was all up to towners defenders Ash Bertoli and Thalia Ellis to keep it out of the ring for a few more seconds. They did it! The siren sounded and Towners celebrated as if they’d just won a premiership. Bertoli and Ellis took the awards, but every team member was deserving of one.

C-reserve

Shepparton East 68 defeated Violet Town 26

Violet Town started well with some fantastic passages of play down the court to the shooters who were also shooting well. Defensively, we were getting lots of rebounds and had great pressure over the shot of the Shepp East shooters.

Shepp East moved the ball with speed all game, which made it hard for our defenders to come up with any gained ball, and they were too strong. Violet Town fought hard and continued to have great passages of play down the court, but it wasn’t enough.

Awards went to Lauren Manley and Kayla Rufford-Sharpe.

17-&-under

Shepparton East 48 defeated Violet Town 25

Violet Town took a little time to get into the game and adapt to the wet, but once they did, they were able to come back into the game with some great defensive pressure and fantastic passages of play down the court.

With lots of loose balls Shepp East pounced and upped their defensive pressure, which was too much for Violet Town. Violet Town continued to fight hard until the final whistle with a strong last quarter with fantastic passages of play and great defensive pressure which forced Shepp East to make errors. Unfortunately, Shepp East were too strong.

Awards went to Ash Antonis and Georgia McLean.

Under-15

Shepparton East 66 defeated Violet Town 7

Towners under 15s squad continues to work hard to gel as a team and implement the skills learnt at weekly training. This week, they were able to get a lot of deflections and cause some turnovers. Their movement in the ring also improved, however, they struggle with the transition down the court.

Shepp East were too strong and took home the win despite the Towners giving it their all in the wet conditions.

Under-13

Shepparton East 35 defeated Violet Town 6

Under-11

Shepparton East 4 defeated by Violet Town 14

What a game! Towners delivered a sensational all-round team effort this week, taking home a strong win in style. From the first whistle to the final siren, every player brought energy, focus, and incredible teamwork to the court.

The defence was rock solid, shutting down the opposition with smart intercepts and tight pressure. In attack, Towners’ passing was sharp and purposeful, with fantastic movement in and out of the ring. Shooters were calm and accurate under pressure, slotting goals with confidence.

Mid-court players worked tirelessly to link play, showing great decision-making and hustle in both defence and transition. It was truly a full team performance, everyone had their moment to shine!

The game was so good they couldn’t pick just one player for our best on… so the entire team got the award this week! A huge congratulations to every player — your teamwork, sportsmanship, and effort made this game one to remember.