Lucy Pyle reaches out to affect the pass to her Rovers opponent in the under-17s grand final.
Under-17s: Berrigan 35 def by Deniliquin 44.
The stage was set in Deniliquin on Saturday, as Berrigan’s under-17 Saints stepped onto enemy territory to face the Deniliquin Rovers in the grand final.
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With the home crowd behind them, the Rovers came out firing, putting early scoreboard pressure on the Saints and racing to a handy lead.
Battling the heat as well as the opposition, the young Saints rallied, showing composure to claw their way back and trail by just four goals at the first break.
Charlie Magill, Gracie Rice and Rosie Phillips anchored the defensive end superbly, cut-off drives, contesting every ball and forcing errors that gave their side chances to swing momentum.
Deniliquin lifted their pace in the second term, finding another gear that stretched the lead to 26-15 by half-time.
Refusing to give in, Berrigan returned from the main break with renewed determination and produced their strongest passage of netball.
Sophie Baxter inspired with her speed, determination and relentless voice through the mid-court. Lucy Pyle and Maddie Rice provided tireless support to transition the ball smoothly into attack.
Their efforts allowed shooters Sophia-Ruby Morgan and Maisie Armer to shine, both nailing impressive goals under pressure and igniting the Saints’ spirit.
With the deficit cut and belief surging, the Saints entered the last quarter just six goals adrift, the premiership well within reach.
The crowd roared as both sides traded goals in a gripping final stanza, the Saints showing fight, flair and unity right to the end.
In the closing minutes, Deniliquin steadied, adding a few late goals to seal the contest 44-35.
Though the scoreboard didn’t fall their way, the Saints walked off the court with their heads high.
Their growth, resilience and determination have made their club, families and community immensely proud.
Awards on the day went to Charlie Magill, Maisie Armer and Sophie Baxter for outstanding performances, but every player wore the red, white and black with pride.
Charlie Magill goes to catch a pass in the under-17s grand final.
The Saints get a team talk from coach Bec Ware.
Sophia-Ruby Morgan goes to catch pass in the under-17s grand final.
Maisie Armer shoots for goal.
The Saints grand final team huddle.
Charlie Magill applies defensive pressure.
The Berrigan under-17s team banner ahead of the grand final.
Saint Maisie Armer shoots for goal.
Photo by
Rebecca Flisher
