Rupertswood stole victory from the hands of defeat in the Riddell District Netball League under-19 grand final on Sunday.
For most of the match, Macedon looked the likely winners as they dominated the game and looked the more composed of the two teams.
The Sharks on the other hand, didn’t look like a side which had not lost a game in four seasons of the under-19 competition.
The Cats led by six goals at quarter time, four at half time and were still five goals up at three quarter time.
As the Cats ran out of legs, the Sharks found another gear late and hit the front in the dying minutes.
Scores went back to level, before the Sharks got the turnover they needed to take a two goal lead.
That would be the end margin, with the Sharks winning, 27-25.
Like many in the crowd, Sharks coach Di McCormack thought her side was too far back at three quarter time.
“It was like snatching the win out of their hands,” she said.
“Macedon wanted it bad, they took it to us for the first ball.
“I didn’t think we could rise above them, but the girls dug in and did what they did all season, they’re gritty and they’re hard and they wanted it in the end.”
McCormack said she thought nerves and pressure got to the girls, who are all 16 or younger. Most were playing their first season of under-19s.
“I think their nerves got to them and the pressure going into a fourth grand final undefeated, there was a lot riding on this team as no one wanted to be the team that lost.”
Georgia Hellyer was named best on court by the umpires, with McCormack saying her leadership in the final quarter was a key part of them getting back into the game.
She said the decision to bring Hannah Keane on earlier in the game and switching the defenders around late both worked as well.
The premiership completes the fourth perfect season for team. McCormack said what made her most proud about the achievement was they were giving young players a chance.
“Most of that team is 14-15, Georgia is the oldest girl in that team at 16,” she said.
“It’s a different team each season. We’ve promoted those girls each year. We usually keep one or two back as they’re young girls you need some experience.
“That’s made C and B grade so strong and now even into the A grade. I could still have half my A-grade and B-grade teams playing in the 19s. I could load this team to the max, but to watch and develop these kids is what it’s about.”
Georgia Fearn, who shot 13 goals, was named the Cats best.
