Rupertswood is out of the Riddell District Netball League finals after a heartbreaking defeat in double overtime against Melton Centrals.
In terrible conditions which included rain and hail, the match was always going to come down to which side handled the conditions better.
Sharks’ coach Di McCormack said the game was played to a good standard considering the weather.
Centrals looked the better of the teams early, before the Sharks fought back and the two sides went goal for goal. At the end of regular time scores were locked at 42 apiece. After overtime finished scores were still locked and play continued until one team led by two goals.
The Sharks were the first to miss and Centrals converted. It was the goal Centrals needed to get the two-goal lead, winning 54-52.
McCormack said it was a disappointing way to exit the season.
“It see-sawed all day,” she said.
“We lacked the maturity to slow things down and ice the game. We had Bec [Anstey] and Prue [Stanley], but everyone else is 21 or under.
“We’re an inexperienced side. I think if we had one more experienced player it would have made the difference.”
McCormack said Amy Starzer played well in goals, while 16-year-old Holly Keating, who was returning from injury, did well against the Centrals’ more experienced goalers.
McCormack said she was pleased with how her side played this season and the young players had improved in a tough draw.
While the A-grade side is out, the Sharks three other sides are all playing for a grand final spot this weekend.
