GVL netballers fight hard in interleague clash

GOULBURN Valley League’s top-netballers gave puffer-jacket clad spectators a worthwhile show during their annual clash against Ovens and Murray at Deakin Reserve. Saturday’s Interleague competition featured U15s netball for the first time, with Mansfield sensation Eva Clydesdale making her debut. O&M were impressive from the start, establishing a flawless rhythm that was aided by some uncertain passes from GVL players. GVL came alive in the final quarter and brought the ball down the court with a series of brilliant passes by Lexie McKenzie and Kate Head. However, GVL's last-minute energy surge was in vain, and O&M took the first win of the day with a 49-36 victory. Mansfield Eagles U15 coach Leonie Berry watched from the sidelines and commended GVL’s efforts despite the loss. “The girls had a really strong first half with multiple intercepts and a tone of pressure,” she explained. “I think they were let down by a lack of accuracy in the second.” Coach Berry showered particular praise on newcomer Eva Clydesdale, who was “sensational” in the defence. "She [Eva] and all the girls definitely made Mansfield and GVL proud," she said. GVL’s efforts were also rewarded with best-on-court going to Wangaratta Rovers wing defence player Laine Draper. The U15s had no respite after their Interleague loss and headed to Wodonga on Sunday for the Netball Victoria Association Championships. GVL hoped to recover during their U17s Interleague match, however they were outperformed by a steely O&M. O&M started strong in the centre with bold defensive pressure, but GVL were plagued by a litany of unforced errors. Mansfield’s Jess Dolling gave a stellar performance in centre alongside Rhani Hendy in wing attack, however it was not enough to stop their opponents. Finals scores saw O&M claim the trophy and win by 20 points. Best on court went to O&M star and Wodonga Bulldogs player Molly Moylan. In an interview posted by Ovens and Murray Football League, Molly said the win was “very special” and said she would remember it for a very long time. Saturday’s two consecutive losses meant GVL’s final netball hopes lay with their Opens side ,led by co-captains Ellie Warnock and Rachel Whipp. The ball flew up and down the court in the fiorst quarter with neither team willing to concede. Goal defence Sarah Szczykulski and co-captain Warnock made for a formidable duo and flawlessly blocked many attempted O&M goals. Szczykulski won best-on-court last year for her terrific performance. Her efforts on Saturday left GVL leading at the quarter break – the first time all day. Some jaw-dropping goals from Ellie Fuhrmeister and brilliant rotation from others propelled GVL further into the lead, leaving their opponents in the dust. Final scores saw GVL claim a 45-40 win over O&M.

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