Nagambie's Sarah Sanderson.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
It’s as they were in the top six of the Kyabram District League A-grade netball competition following the completion of the final round of the home-and-away season on Saturday, with all bar one of the top six concluding their regular season campaigns with a win.
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While the finalists, and final order of the top six, had more or less already been settled at the end of round 17, with Shepparton East formalising its second consecutive minor premiership, the Eagles had unfinished business to attend to at the weekend.
Only Nagambie stood in the way of the Eagles and a second consecutive unbeaten home-and-away campaign, but given their incredible form over the past 18 months, there was only ever going to be one outcome.
Despite putting together a valiant effort, the Lakers were unable to stop the might of Shepparton East, which, with a remarkable 34th consecutive victory, will head into the finals series off the back of yet another unbeaten home-and-away season, notching a 16th win from 16 games this season in dominant fashion at Central Park Recreation Reserve.
With a 61-38 scoreline — their 14th victory this year by 15 goals or more — Shepp East produced a commanding display over the third-placed Lakers to cap one of the most dominant seasons in KDL history.
Just two wins now separate the Eagles from completing back-to-back undefeated premiership seasons, and with only one side coming within 10 goals of the reigning premiers this season, it is hard to envision Shepp East doing anything other than lifting the cup at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve on September 12.
Shepparton East's Hannah Doyle looks to find a teammate with a pass.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton East's Kali Frost shoots over Nagambie's Sarah Sanderson.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Nagambie's Kalani Williamson sinks a goal.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton East's Bek Quinlan advances the Eagles down the court.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Nagambie's Sarah Sanderson inbounds the ball.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton East's Hannah Doyle and Nagambie's Tasman Taylor-Lloyd jostle for position at the transverse line.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Shepparton East's Kate Durling receives the ball inside the shooting circle.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Lancaster will certainly look to spoil the party, though, with the Wombats securing second spot on the ladder — and a semi-final berth against the Eagles — with a 70-15 thumping of Undera on Saturday, ending the season with a 14-2 record, although with both of their defeats coming at the hands of Shepp East.
Nagambie hung on to a third-place finish despite the loss at the weekend, just ahead of Tallygaroopna in fourth and Merrigum in fifth, the latter pair separated by percentage after finishing with identical 11-4-1 records following a draw in round two.
They will face off in an elimination final this coming weekend and will each enter in form, the Redlegs securing a 63-26 victory on the road against Murchison-Toolamba on Saturday, while the Bulldogs beat Stanhope 55-26 to wrap up the regular season.
Last year’s preliminary finalist Rushworth (10-6) completes the top six after securing victory over Longwood at the weekend, snapping a two-game losing run to enter the finals series on a high with a 61-19 victory.
Elsewhere, Avenel (8-8) confirmed its status as best of the rest with a 50-45 victory over Violet Town (5-11) to finish in seventh spot, one removed from finals.
Nagambie will now turn its attention to the first elimination final against Rushworth this weekend, with the pair to do battle at Violet Town Recreation Reserve on Saturday at 2.15pm.
