By Tara Murray
Romsey is eyeing back-to-back Riddell District Netball League premierships after nailing a grand final berth with a solid win against Rockbank.
Facing the surprise packet of the finals, the Redbacks were able to inflict damage early to end the Rams’ finals run.
Having established a lead in the first half, the Redbacks were able to hold strong for the rest of the game, winning 52-41.
Redbacks coach Luke Marko Rawlings said the players were ecstatic.
Not many people would have predicted the Redbacks would be back in the final match of the year, having lost several of last year’s premiership team in the off season.
“Everyone was up and about on Saturday,” Marko Rawlings said.
“This season has been so good. It’s shown it doesn’t matter who you have – with a little bit of belief, you don’t know what will happen.”
The Redbacks set the tone early with a 12-5 first quarter.
Marko Rawlings said the good start helped the Redbacks get their game going and dented any momentum the Rams had gained through two upset finals wins.
“They had so much momentum from the last couple of weeks, beating Rupertswood and Wallan,” he said.
“We had to hit the ball hard and break that momentum – it was a key thing for us, [as] we haven’t started well lately.
“In the warm-up everyone was up and about and the talk and intensity was there.”
The Redbacks increased the lead to nine goals at half-time.
With a solid lead, the Redbacks looked to their bench to give everyone some experience playing in finals.
Marko Rawlings said that was something that might come in handy this weekend.
Chelsea Ross continued her good form, shooting 38 goals from 39 attempts. She was named the Redbacks’ best, along with Stefanie Symes.
Rams goal shooter Rebecca Hicks was named their best.
This week’s grand final, against Macedon, will be the Redbacks’ sixth flag decider since 2010.
They will be going for their fifth premiership in that time.
Marko Rawlings said that record showed the strength of the netball community in Romsey and how it could keep bringing through players to sustain success.
Macedon stands in the way of the Redbacks. The Cats are yet to lose a match this season. The Redbacks, though, have gone as close as any, with the Cats winning the semi-final between the two sides by a goal in extra time.
Marko Rawlings said they were looking forward to getting another chance.
“They said they didn’t play their best netball last time,” he said.
“I say we didn’t let them play their best netball.
“Hopefully, a couple more things will go our way and we hopefully get the result.”
