SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
GRAND FINAL REVIEW – A GRADE
By DAVID NAGEL
NARRE Warren finally has an A Grade premiership cup to call its own, to love and to cherish, after the most brilliant of performances against Hampton Park in Saturday’s grand final at Officer.
The Magpies took an already amazing level of netball this season to astronomical new heights, dismantling the Redbacks 59-34 in front of a bumper crowd at Starling Road.
It was a performance that left co-coach, and centre, Jade Heinrich almost speechless.
“It’s hard to describe in words, to work so hard and then to play our best game of the season on the biggest day of the year is extremely satisfying,” Jade said.
“Greg (Jade’s co-coach and husband) and I couldn’t be happier; I still can’t believe it to be honest.”
Jade almost didn’t make it onto the court, re-injuring her calf at training on Thursday night and spending Friday in a hyperbaric chamber.
“I was little overwhelmed at the finish, because I put myself under so much pressure to play, it all sort of caught up with me in the end.”
The Magpies started brilliantly, and got better, extending a five-goal margin at quarter time to eight at the main break.
But that was just the forerunner to a brilliant second-half of netball where they outscored the Redbacks 34 to 17.
“We lost to Hampton Park the last time we met but it was a good loss to have and that was the turning point for us,” Jade said.
“We just didn’t perform that day, but the girls believed in the game plan and we delivered when it mattered.”
Tracey Dell and Kara Hargrave were superb in defence, Erin Clark and Leigh Taylor combined wonderfully well through the midcourt, while Elly Stewart and best-on-court medallist Tayla Shannon were unstoppable under the ring.
The Magpies found themselves in a luxurious position in the final quarter; with a big enough lead to give Chloe Phillips, Courtney Phelps and Demi Brettoner some precious court time.
“I really admire those three girls,” Jade said.
“They were just so happy and excited to get their chance and they were fantastic in those last 10 minutes of play.”
Jade said the joy that the premiership had delivered to the club wasn’t lost on either her or Greg.
“I’ve been at a few clubs, but Narre Warren is a special place,” she said.
“The footballers were excited for us, the committee, it just makes Greg and I so happy to see so many people join in the celebrations.”
For Erin Clark, Leigh Taylor and Tracey Dell, this premiership means a lot after losing to Pakenham in 2013.
For Hampton Park, gun goal-shooter Emma Ryde shot 30 of her sides’ 34 goals, while Kim Coulson, Sara Drain and Cathy Leeves can hold their heads high.
But the Magpies have a cup … one they will love and cherish!
