Teagan McCarthy claims a big intercept during the B grade decider. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Minor premier Nagambie has fallen agonisingly short of premiership glory in the Kyabram District League B grade decider at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
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Facing Tallygaroopna in a rematch of the second semi-final, having gone down to the Redlegs by five goals on that occasion, the Lakers looked in command for much of the first half at the weekend; however, they were unable to hold off a fast-finishing Tally side, eventually going down 48-49 in a nailbiter.
Despite making the slower of the starts to trail 10-13 by quarter time, Nagambie grew in confidence as the second term began, with the Lakers’ intensity and pressure ramping up and forcing the Redlegs into multiple mistakes.
Dakota Griffiths defends against her Tallygaroopna opponents.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Having levelled the scores with the first three goals of the second term, the Lakers slowly but surely extended the lead, and the domination on court began to show on the scoreboard, with Nagambie’s lead at one point reaching 25-17 just before the half-time break.
Crucially, though, the Redlegs pegged back two goals just before the main interval to go in trailing 19-25, providing a spark to feed off as they resumed battle in the third term.
Halfway through the third quarter, the Lakers still led 30-26, and looked to be in control of proceedings, but the Redlegs simply found another gear.
Keely Goggin reels in a pass.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
With a 5-0 run, Tallygaroopna exploded into life, erasing the entirety of the Lakers’ lead to draw level at 34 apiece, and while Nagambie found a late goal go ahead by one heading into the last, Tally was right in the hunt at 36-37 behind.
Greta Small scans the court for a teammate.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Nagambie continued to do everything right, going ahead by three early in the final term, and while it looked like the Lakers had done enough on multiple occasions, the Redlegs managed to respond each time, ultimately pinching the lead with a few minutes on the clock and condemning Nagambie to a one-goal defeat.
Abby Harrison receives the ball.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Despite the loss, the Lakers have enjoyed a brilliant season across the wider B and A grade competitions under new coach Ashley Chapman, who has guided the squad to a grand final and preliminary final appearance, respectively, providing the club with plenty to build on ahead of a big 2027 campaign.
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