Romsey saved its best for last in the Riddell District Netball League qualifying final to claim victory against Macedon on Saturday.
For much of the first half, the Redbacks didn’t look anything like the side that had lost just a single game for the season and looked like they were struggling to get their game plan working.
The Cats, who also had only one loss for the year, played like a team hellbent on victory despite missing goal attack Chloe Wilson with illness. They played with patience to hold an eight-goal lead in the second quarter.
Redbacks coach Lena Way made changes to her attacking end, with Amelia Brock replacing Hope Evans as goal shooter at quarter-time.
Bronwyn Blair came on at goal attack midway through the second quarter, replacing Chelsea Ross. That proved to be the match-winning move, with the Redbacks reducing the margin to six at the main break and to one at three-quarter time, after having briefly taken the lead.
The final quarter outcome was one no one saw coming. The Redbacks won it 20-1 to seal a 45-27 win.
Redbacks coach Lena Way said the last quarter was unbelievable.
“It’s a credit to the team’s defensive ability,” she said.
“The number of times we were able to turn the ball over was incredible.”
While the stunning fourth-quarter nailed the win for the Redbacks, Way knows they still have plenty to work on after their worst first half of the season.
She said they had been thrown by Wilson not playing and the reshuffle in the Cats’ attacking end.
Way said the ability to change line-ups when needed was a the key to the win.
“We ended up with a completely different goaling combination than what we’ve had all season,” she said.
“It goes to show that in finals anything can happen and anyone can get on the board,” she said.
Brock finished with 30 goals from 34 attempts, while Blair shot eight goals from 11 attempts.
Sarah Szczykulski worked hard and shut out Macedon goaler Tara Burnip in the second half.
For the Cats, Chelsea Kemp was a standout.
The Redbacks will play Lancefield in a semi-final, while the Cats play Melton Centrals in an elimination semi-final.
