By JARROD POTTER
LEAVING on a high note, Keysborough Netball Club bowed out of Casey Cardinia with a premiership flag.
Keysborough’s final term effort proved too much for Berwick to handle as the Burra emerged triumphant to claim the 38-31 B-Grade victory.
Keysborough’s B-Grade netball team excelled through the finals’ series – knocking off Narre Warren to advance to the grand final – before facing Berwick on Saturday afternoon in the Burra’s last match in the league.
The match was goal-for-goal throughout most of the clash as the Wickers and Burra struggled to pierce the opponent’s defence. The defensive efforts of coach Samantha Downie and goalkeeper Sarah Vella kept the Wickers’ attack under wraps. Downie excelled as she swooped on countless interceptions and deflections to keep Berwick on the back foot.
At the opposite end, Chloe Plumb had the Midas touch in the goaler’s arc – sinking 12 goals in the final term to finish the match with 32 of Keysborough’s 38 goals.
The match was evenly poised heading into the last term as Keysborough held a 25-24 lead after a whistle beating long-range goal.
Plumb lived up to her moniker as she shot brilliantly in the last term and received the ball on a string from mid-courters Alana Vieceli and Amy Burns.
A 13-7 final term favoured the Burra to swoop on its final flag in Casey Cardinia and end its 60-year affiliation with South West Gippsland Football League (SWGFL).
“Very thrilled with the win,” Downie said.
“I think we just kept control and we wanted it more.
“I think our pressure – was causing the turnovers and the goalers just converted the goals and it was amazing.
Burra mid-courter Breanna Vieceli was awarded the best-on-court award.
Keysborough will now head to the Southern Football League and its affiliated netball competition after Keysborough’s transfer was confirmed during the week.
“Going to a new league but we will be going in with some strong teams so it’s really good.”
Keysborough announced this week Ryan Goodes will take over from Chris Bryan as the Burra’s senior coach in 2015.
