Netball
2 September, 2025
Rupanyup book grand final spot
Rupanyup’s A grade netball side have advanced to the Horsham District Football Netball League grand final after defeating Kalkee 52-34 in Saturday’s semi-final.
Rupanyup’s A grade netball side have advanced to the Horsham District Football Netball League grand final after defeating Kalkee 52-34 in Saturday’s semi-final.
The Panthers quickly showed that last week’s break did not disrupt their momentum, scoring the first seven goals of the game.
Rupanyup’s defensive pressure continued to stifle Kalkee, with numerous interceptions across the court and excellent goal circle defence from Victoria Taylor and Lucy Bussenschutt, limiting the Kees to one goal for most of the opening quarter.
Sharp passing and shooting at the other end saw Rupanyup enter the first break up 17-3.
Kalkee scored the first four goals of the second quarter before Rupanyup reassumed control of the match, scoring eight goals straight of their own before taking a 28-12 half-time lead.
Despite an improved second half from Kalkee, Rupanyup never looked in trouble, taking a 39-23 lead at three-quarter-time before finishing 18-point winners.
Amidst a complete team effort from Rupanyup, Taylor stood out on the defensive end, and Zanaiya Bergen (17 goals), Ilze Van Zyl (17 goals) and Bianca Drum (16 goals) recorded the majority of Rupanyup’s goals.
Playing in wing and goal defence throughout the game, youngster Abbey Williams impressed for the losing side, while Jarrah Martin led Kalkee in scoring with 15 goals.
Asked about her side’s emphatic first quarter, Rupanyup coach Georgia Hiscock attributed the team’s belief and tenacity to helping set up the victory early in the game.
“Our start was almost textbook-perfect,” Hiscock said.
“Before the game we spoke about belief.
"We’ve worked hard all year and we believed we deserved to reward ourselves with a grand final spot.
“From the first whistle we fought hard for every loose ball, played our long and fast game and really made use of our height advantage and physical strength at both ends.”
Hiscock said the contribution from all 10 players in the victory was representative of their impressive 2025 season.
“Honestly, it was a full team performance,” Hiscock said.
“All 10 players saw great court time and that really shows the depth and versatility we’ve had all season.
“Everyone contributed in their own way, which is exactly why we’re in the position we are now.”
Asked about locking in a grand final spot, Hiscock said the team were excited about the opportunity as they looked to prepare over the next two weeks.
“We’re absolutely ecstatic to be in the grand final,” Hiscock said.
“There’s a real buzz amongst the girls and the club as a whole.
"It’s such an exciting time and we’re really looking forward to it.
“We’ll just keep doing what we’ve been doing all season with Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“It’s fantastic having multiple teams in finals; it makes our prep much stronger.”
The Panthers will take on the winner of next week’s preliminary final, where Kalkee will get a second chance as they go against Edenhope Apsley.
But the Kees will be without Casey Rentsch, who suffered a knee injury late in Saturday’s loss.
