By Tara Murray
Romsey ended Rupertswood’s winning streak in a thrilling Riddell District Netball League B-grade competition grand final.
Rupertswood, which was looking for a sixth straight premiership, entered the grand final as favourites, having lost only two matches since 2017.
But the Redbacks pushed them to the limit and snared a 43-41 win in overtime.
No more than four goals separated the two teams throughout the game.
Both teams had chances to win in the fourth quarter, but neither could deliver the final blow, with plenty of turnovers.
Scores were level at 35 apiece at the end of regular time, forcing overtime.
The Redbacks got out to an early lead in overtime, which proved crucial.
There was just one goal in it with 30 seconds to go. Hope Evans scored her 35th goal in the dying seconds to seal the win.
Redbacks playing coach Lauren Anglin said it was pretty exciting to claim the premiership.
“They have beaten us every time we’ve played them this year,” she said.
“It always felt like we had the ability to have a win, but we haven’t been able to put our best effort out.
“I felt like today, when it got tough, we stuck at it, we kept going and it was fantastic.”
Anglin, who was awarded the best on court medal, said the two sides were very different.
While the Sharks were younger with plenty of speed and fitness, the Redbacks had the experience.
She said that experience was really important when it mattered.
“Six or seven of us have played A-grade in the last 12 months and were part of an A-grade side that played finals last year,
“We are older and perhaps with that comes a little bit of wisdom, you can’t underestimate that.
“They are a fitter team than we are, to win in extra time, that’s really pleasing.”
PHOTO GALLERY: RDNL B-grade grand final
Anglin was thrilled with the pressure late in the game, which allowed goalkeeper Kendra Vann to get some important intercepts.
She said her biggest concern heading into extra time, was whether to make some switches.
“I couldn’t decide, do I give myself a rest and put Danni [Davidson] in there, or do I want her switching with Stace [Deimos] for fresh legs.
“Having the fresh legs in that part of the court worked out for us.”
Another standout for the Redbacks was goal shooter Hope Evans. Evans was the best shooter on the court, shooting 35 from 42 attempts.
Anglin said having Evans in the circle made life so much easier.
“She has shot 95 per cent of goals this year, whether it has been Griz [Alicija Marko Rawlings] or Christie [Brinkhuis], with her.
“She is a stalwart. You back her all the time.”
For the Sharks, Victoria Abdulnour shot 29 goals after coming on during the first quarter.
