Jack Phillips soars against his Deniliquin opponent.
Two Berrigan Saints teams are left standing in the Picola League grand finals.
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The fourths footballers and the under-17s netballers both had great wins in the preliminaries to make it to the final dance in Deniliquin this Saturday.
Football
The fourths travelled to Katamatite on Sunday (no breakfast in bed for their dads) to take on the Deniliquin side in the do-or-die preliminary final.
These two teams always match up well and have enjoyed a fierce fourths rivalry dating back more than 15 years.
With a reminder from coach Rob Ryan, that the team's best is better than the rest, the boys hit the ground running.
They made the most of the gusty wind conditions in the first quarter to go into the break with a 20 point to zero scoreboard.
The lads worked hard when against the wind to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
The third quarter saw the boys pile four more majors on and take a commanding lead into the final quarter.
Working as a team across the entire ground, the boys continued to run out the game to be 39 point winners.
This proved to be another fabulous entire team effort with the tackling, shepherding, hand passing, backing up and team work next level across the whole ground.
Our top age players stood up as usual, leading by example, and the rest of the team galvanised behind them.
Hard work gets results and the boys are now into the grand final next Saturday in Deniliquin.
Final score: Berrigan 9.6 (60) def Tocumwal 3.2 (21).
Best: Jordan Swann, Tully Ryan, Nick Arnold, Jack Phillips, Hudson Ware, Trey Burns.
Nick Arnold gets a kick away under pressure in the preliminary final on Sunday.
Netball
Congratulations to Berrigan’s under-17s, who played a phenomenal game of netball to claim a hard-fought two-point victory over Waaia in wet and trying conditions on Sunday, booking their spot in Saturday’s Grand Final.
Final score: Berrigan 35 def Waaia 33.
It was a full team effort.
While nerves were evident early, the young Saints steadied and stuck to their game plan, showing resilience and maturity beyond their years.
Impressive defensive work across the court meant there were no passengers, with Gracie Rice (GK) and Charlie Magill (GD) pulling off textbook intercepts in the crucial minutes to help steer their side confidently home.
The mid-court of Lucy Pyle, Rosie Phillips, Maddie Rice, Sophie Baxter and Princess Arcastitas worked tirelessly, driving the ball forward and linking strongly from defence into attack.
Their efforts ensured safe delivery into the hands of Maisie Armer, majestic in GA, and Sophia-Ruby Morgan, whose strength in GS proved vital in the dying moments. Together, the pair sealed the game with composed finishing under pressure.
As the final whistle blew, the smiles said it all.
The Saints now turn their focus to Saturday’s grand final with excitement and determination.
Anything can happen in finals netball, but this young side has already made their club proud with their winners’ mentality.
•••
Congratulations to Layla Towler on her nomination for Rising Star at the Picla League awards on Monday night.
Layla has had an impressive season in A-grade, dominating defence, but shows her versatility when required.
We look forward to seeing her back in the black, white and red next season!
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