Tara Murray
Diggers Rest believes it is peaking at the right time having made it through to the Riddell District Netball League grand final.
After losing in the first week of the finals to Woodend-Hesket, the Burras beat Riddell and then minor premiers Macedon back-to-back, to get another crack at the Hawks in the grand final.
Speaking after Saturday’s win against Macedon, Burras coach Pam Strong said it was really good for the club.
“I don’t know if the A-grade side have won a premiership before,” Strong said. “The girls were really good.
“We hadn’t beaten Macedon at all this year. All the girls did their homework. Each week the girls watch the five minute snippet of the RDFNL show to get some information on the opposition.
“We’re peaking at the right time.”
The Cats started the better of the two teams, before the Burras hit the front by one at quarter time.
The margin was out to eight at half time and 10 at the last break. The Burras were able to maintain momentum, winning 39-31.
Strong said they always knew it was going to be a tough match up.
“Macedon is so hard to play as they know each other so well,” she said. “We were in control for most of the game.
“The plan was to stick to the game plan and work from there.”
Amy Starzer shot 22 goals for the Burras, while Alexandra Ball shot 17. For the Cats, who were without star shooter Chloe Williams, Ciara Stewart shot 24 goals.
The Burras win though was soured by a couple of injuries. Stefanie Symes went off injured in the last quarter, while Shelby Strong also has an injury concern.
Pam Strong said both girls would get treatment throughout the week and they would work around the injuries if they needed to.
The Burras now face Woodend-Hesket on Sunday in the grand final. The Hawks, who are playing in their first grand final, had the week off.
Strong said they would look to enjoy the week leading into the grand final.
“I think it’s the two most consistent teams in the grand final,” she said.
“I hope it’s sunny and there’s no wind and the two teams can show some skill. Whoever wins it’ll be really good.”
It’ll be a big day for the Burras with their B-grade side also through to the grand final.
On Saturday they beat Melton Centrals in the preliminary final, 33-31.
“Heidi [Cole] was away so we only had eight players,” Strong said. “Rachel [Reeves] went down in the first minute and we thought she had done her knee.
“Emma [Rodger] came on into goal shooter and was amazing coming off the bench.
“The score went up and down all day and we managed to pull it out at the end.”
The side will face Macedon in the grand final.
The Burras C-grade side was knocked out of finals, losing in the preliminary final 30-21 to Macedon.
