East Geelong stands tall with Grand Final win over Winchelsea

EAST Geelong has added to its A Grade netball silverware cabinet after claiming its second Geelong & District Netball League (GDNL) flag in three years.

The Eagles held its nerve through four quarters of action against Winchelsea, defeating the Blues 27-33 at St Albans Reserve this afternoon (Saturday, September 14).

East Geelong playing-coach Claudia Cook spoke post-game about her pride of the group and the team’s motivation to finish the season on a high note, following last year’s Grand Final loss to rivals Werribee Centrals.

“It’s really special and after going down last year by a few goals, we were not happy ending our season the way we do, we don’t mind losing if we at least play well,” Cook said.

“So, to come back this year and finish it off with a really good game, we’re all just so proud.

“It was also really good to meet Winchelsea in the final, because they have been the team to beat the last three years and to see them grow and develop as a netball program the last few years has been really good to see.”

Neither side took substantial control of the game early on, separated by just three goals at quarter-time (6-9).

The Eagles found their groove in the second, launching a string of defensive stops and punishing the Blues around the net to lead 10-17 at half-time.

Winchelsea outscored East Geelong 10-8 in the third quarter to trail 20-25 with 15 minutes to play, showing signs of a potential fourth-quarter comeback.

However, East Geelong had an answer for anything Winchelsea threw at them in the fourth quarter, not allowing the Blues to gather any substantial momentum.

The margin was six goals when the final siren sounded, as captain Stephanie Boyce and her team-mates stormed the court to celebrate with the East Geelong faithful.

East Geelong shooter Mary Waldron led all scorers with 18 goals and was rewarded for her efforts by receiving the best-on-court medal. Shannon Pietsch finished with 15 scores for the Eagles as well.

Winchelsea had four contributors around the net, sharing the scoring load between Ebony Berg (10 goals), Katrina Biscan (7 goals), Katrina Filice (6 goals) and Olivia Paatsch (4 goals).

Other senior netball premiers on the day included Werribee Centrals in B Grade and Under 19’s, and Inverleigh in C Grade and D Grade.