Young Hoppers netballers into decider

Rennie 48 def Katandra 46

Best: Ruby Long, Mia Brogan

The stage was set for a massive clash, with the Hoppers coming in as the underdogs against a strong Katandra side. But from the first whistle, the girls came out firing.

The Hoppers brought enormous pressure early, capitalising on their opportunities and building an impressive lead. The first half was a true display of just how dangerous this group can be when they play with confidence, intensity and belief in one another.

But finals are never won easily. Katandra came out fighting in the second half, lifting their pressure and slowly cutting into the lead. With the margin getting tighter, the Hoppers were forced to dig deep and hold their nerve, eventually securing a thrilling two-goal victory.

The star of the show was Ruby Long, who moved the ball down the court with ease, provided endless options in attack and never stopped applying pressure to her opponent.

Mia Brogan also stepped up when it mattered, playing a full game in centre with one of the team’s star midcourters sidelined through injury. Mia worked tirelessly all game and played a huge role in getting the girls over the line.

Jazzy was another standout, creating crucial turnovers while providing strong drives down the court, giving the attackers the chance to reset and finish off the hard work.

A huge congratulations goes to Katandra on an incredible season. Their pressure never stopped, and they were a strong, skilful and incredibly clean side to come up against.

The girls were challenged, they were pushed, and when it mattered most, they found a way.

One game left. Bring on the Grand Final.

Football

Hopper’s fourths fall just short.

Barooga 4.4 (28) def Rennie 2.5 (17)

Goals: Brax Ednie 1, Edward Withers 1

Best: Finley Strawhorn, Brax Ednie, Adam Cooper, Lenny Legudi, Mason Santoro.

Rennie Fourths’ season is over after going down to Barooga by 11 points at Picola on Saturday.

On a tough morning for footy, with heavy overnight rain, a slippery surface saw both teams struggle to adapt early. Barooga snagged the first major, but the Hoppers, via Ednie, levelled the scores at the first break.

Barooga gained the ascendancy with two early goals in term two, but with Strawhorn incredible, Santoro holding sway in a match-up, and Haack and Cooper strong in defence, a late Withers goal saw Rennie down by just five points at the long break.

Term three was a slog, as Lenny Legudi was in and under, Giblett was strong at half-back and Wallace was winning the ruck. Barooga, however, were able to extend their lead with the only goal of the term to take a 13-point lead into the final break.

The Hoppers had a red-hot go, but their second poster for the game was part of a goalless final term. Barooga had used the ball far better in difficult conditions and were able to link well, making them deserved victors.

It was a great effort by the team, and congratulations go to all players, Neal, Dan, Di, the umpires, waterboys and runners for a great job. Special thanks go to Shane and Rhodesy for a massive job as the team’s trainers.

Best players were Finley Strawhorn, Griffin Haack, Adam Cooper, Mason Santoro and Lenny Legudi.

Another season has passed, and the club wishes to thank coaches Connor and Marcus Hargreaves, Jake Stevenson, Pickles Davis, Neal Hemphill and Blocker Wilson for their great work.

The club also thanks all its sponsors, in particular Mulwala Water Ski Club, Club Mulwala, NH Trans, Kennedy Builders, Greenscape, Signature Tiles and Woods Bus Lines, who form such an integral part of who the club is. The club wishes all teams participating today the best of luck.

The club looks forward to seeing everyone at the Junior Presentation Day on Sunday, September 13 at 11 am at Club Mulwala and Senior Presentation Night on Friday, September 18 at 6 pm. Keep an eye on social media for details of the Grand Final Eve luncheon at the Ski Club.