After a successful first season in the top grade of Southern netball Narre Warren fell nine goals short in the preliminary final against Cheltenham on Saturday.
Having finished second on the ladder after the move, hopes were high for the Magpies, but it wasn’t to be, as they came up short against Dingley (10 goals) and then Cheltenham (nine goals) in the finals.
Coach Michelle Mashado said a competitive game was expected after a couple of close games during the season against the Rosellas.
“Cheltenham’s defensive pressure was outstanding, they put so much pressure on our attacking end, really forcing us to think about every pass and work harder to open up space,” she said.
“You’re fighting for a grand final spot, so we knew we had to dig deep … it was a tough and physical battle (and) we had our chances.”
The Magpies started the game well and were right in the contest, with both teams trying to gain ascendancy early in the contest.
“From the first whistle, it was physical and competitive; both teams showed nerves in the opening minutes, which was a sign of just how much we both wanted to have the edge,” Mashado said.
“Once we settled, our structures began to hold and we were able to find some rhythm through the midcourt, hitting strong targets and working the ball patiently into the circle.”
Captain Brittany Mashado led from the front with her voice, direction and composure, while Gabrielle Dwyer played through the finals series with a broken finger, forming a key part of the team’s defensive structure.
Leigh Taylor was another standout performer, working tirelessly through the midcourt and feeding the ball effectively inside to shooter Grace Loelu.
THE DIFFERENCE
The half-time margin was just three goals and Narre Warren was well and truly in the game, but the third quarter was ultimately the difference.
Cheltenham got on top and began to break down the Magpies’ defence, generating some good looks under the ring and outscoring the black and white 10-4.
“That third quarter proved costly … a few forced errors and some missed goals gave Cheltenham the momentum and they were able to capitalise on our mistakes,” Mashado said.
“The 10-4 term really broke the game open and while we fought hard to respond, it left us chasing in the final stages.”
Cheltenham won the final quarter by just two goals, but the damage was already done as the Rosellas advanced to the grand final against Dingley.
“After the game, we got the girls together straight away, Leigh (Taylor) spoke first about how well we’d done just to get to this stage,” Mashado said.
“Then our captain Britt spoke from the heart – there were a few tears shed in that moment; Gabrielle, our assistant coach followed with another positive message to lift the group.”
LOELU YOU STAR
Young shooter Grace Loelu has regularly been one of Narre Warren’s best players throughout the season, scoring more goals than any other player in the entire league.
She finished with 605 goals for the season, an average of almost 38 goals per game, working hard as her side’s main target under the ring.
“Grace tried her heart out in the shooting circle, working hard to create options and apply defensive pressure,” Mashado said.
“She has come along in leaps and bounds this season … she is a very talented young player who has had a standout season.”
There is no lack of young talent coming through the ranks at Narre Warren, with Ruby Dwyer another player who took big strides in the top side this year.
“Ruby impressed with her composure and work rate, an upcoming young gun of our club, she’s definitely one to watch for the future,” Mashado said.
SOUTHERN SUCCESS
Despite the straight-sets exit from finals after finishing second on the ladder, there are plenty of positives to take away for Mashado and her side.
A 12-3 season record and a strong percentage of 141.61 were reflective of how well the side adapted to the Southern netball scene.
While finals didn’t go to plan, the Magpies defeated every team in the competition this season, including Cheltenham twice.
“The season gave us a great taste of Southern netball, and while we know what needs to be worked on, the development shown across the group has been really pleasing,” Mashado said.
Despite the disappointment of falling short, she said the team had done the entire club proud and thanked them for a great season.
“I wanted the girls to know how proud I was, not just of today, but of the entire season,” she said.
“We are a homegrown team, with around 80 per cent of the group having come through the club’s junior program, and to make it all the way to the preliminary final in our very first season in a brand new competition is something special.”
Mashado also thanked the many Narre Warren supporters, families, team members and special guests who came down to support the girls.
“The Narre army was loud, gave strong support and gave us that extra lift from the sidelines – we are truly grateful,” she said.
The goal is simple for Narre Warren; to come back bigger and better next season, building upon the strong foundation of 2025.
