Tara Murray
Two years ago, the Sunbury Lions didn’t have an A-grade side in the Ballarat Netball League.
Now they are playing off in a grand final.
The Lions became the first team through to the grand final on Saturday, beating Darley in a hard fought battle in a semi final.
Like all matches between the two teams, nothing was easy.
Both sides were missing their young goalers which limited their options in attack. The Lions had illness in the side as well.
It meant little as they managed to hold on to win, 46-44.
Lions coach Kim Bailey was thrilled that the side has been able to win through to the grand final.
“It was a good day, we had four teams across the club through to the grand final,” she said.
“We got our As, Bs and Ds through. I’m really happy with how we have progressed and A-grade was a slog in the end and we were able to hold on.
“I’m pretty happy.”
Bailey said there were an array of emotions watching the game.
She said it was heartstopping, nervous and eventually happy.
“They just closed down our midcourt,” Bailey said. “They did that exceptionally well, we were workman-like and got there.
“We showed a lot of composure which we have been working on. We got up to four or five at one stage.
“We lost Tayla Honey with an injury just before the end, which changed the momentum a little bit.
“We were able to hold tight and win.”
Bailey said Rebecca Hicks produced her best game of the season.
She finished with 40 goals from 43 attempts and provided such a great target with Tara O’Grady providing plenty of support.
The Lions now get the week off before the grand final.
Bailey said she expected Honey to be right for the grand final, while Lani Fauonuku is also set to return.
She said the week off would do a lot of the playing group the world of good with most of the side having played in the Victorian Netball League as well.
Bailey said it was pretty special for the club to see their netball program back and having success across the board.
The E-grade side will play in a preliminary final to try and make it four out of six teams into the grand final.
“That is probably the most pleasing thing,” Bailey said. “You get a little bit emotional and think about where we were and where we are now.
“It is all about the group of girls that we have put together. They’ve done it.
“We have a group of girls who all click. The feeling around the club is really great, both football and netball are one.
“It’s hard to believe back three years ago, that is the position we were in.”
In some further good news for the club, they announced on Saturday that Bailey has re-signed for next year.
