NATIMUK United has been crowned A Grade netball champions of the Horsham District Football Netball League after it proved too slick for Laharum in Saturday’s grand final at Horsham City Oval.
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The premiership triumph was the club’s first A Grade netball flag since the side won in 1975.
The Ewes made it to the big dance thanks to an upset win against previously unbeaten Edenhope-Apsley in the second semi-final.
The Mountain Maids led at quarter-time by a goal, and extended that advantage to two at the main break.
A run of goals in the middle parts of the third term gave Laharum a three-goal lead and it looked to have the upper hand.
But four goals on the bounce to end the third quarter gave the Ewes a slender 21-20 lead at the final change.
They continued their strong run into the last term, and by the final whistle, Natimuk United had netted 13 of the final 18 goals of the match.
The Mountain Maids never gave in, but once the Ewes got going, they were far too slick when the match was on the line.
Natimuk United’s Jo Taylor was named best-on-court for the grand final match.
Goal-shooter Shannon Couch scored 19 goals for the Ewes, and although she could have had more, she proved a vital piece of tall timber in the front half.
Maddison Iredell was important for Laharum in its attacking zone, scoring goals when they were most needed, while goal-keeper Nikki Ervin did a good job against a much taller Couch.
Ewes co-coach Shurlee Skiller - who was a part of the 1975 premiership winning team - said Saturday’s win was a fantastic achievement.
“It was a pretty tough game but they held in there and gave it all they had,” she said.
“I’m very proud of what they’ve achieved and what they did today.”
Skiller said the manner in which the Ewes responded to numerous Mountain Maid challenges was admirable.
“They steadied when they needed to and came forward and worked it slowly and precisely,” she said.
Skiller said to beat the undefeated Edenhope-Apsley to make the grand final was great.
“That was a fantastic game - and getting straight here was fantastic and they managed to pull it off,” she said.
Natimuk United’s win ruined hopes of a Laharum senior football-A Grade netball double on Saturday after the Mountain Men claimed the 2015 senior football flag with a convincing win against Kalkee.
