By Justin Flynn
Colac withstood a stunning Newtown & Chilwell comeback to win its second consecutive Geelong Netball League premiership on Saturday September 23 at Leopold Memorial Park.
The win marks two years in a row that Colac has beaten the Eagles in the grand final. The Eagles had won the previous seven premierships.
The Eagles got out to an early lead and were in front by two at the first break, but Colac hit back in the second to be in front by three at half-time.
The Tigers continued their strong form in the third and took a six-goal lead into the final term and looked like running away with it.
But Newtown & Chilwell gave one last ditch effort to steal the game away.
Star shooter Uneeq Palavi got involved in a flurry of goals late in the game that saw the deficit cut to just one with seconds remaining.
But Colac held on with the final scores 38 to 37 in front of a huge crowd.
Colac held onto its 2022 winning team with Indya Forde, Emily Murfitt, Brooke Allan, Eliza Cahill, Zara Walters and Bec and Michelle Winch collecting their second medals in as many years.
Forde was named best on court for her stunning role at goal defence while Michelle Winch (28) and Bec Winch (10) scored all of the Tigers’ goals.
For Newtown & Chilwell, skipper Ruby Pekin-Schlicht was brilliant in defence while Mia van Wyk and Amy Wirth were strong contributors.
St Joseph’s won a thriller against South Barwon in B Grade.
Maya Pearce goaled with the final score of the game to give Joeys a 34 to 33 win. Pearce was awarded best on court.
South Barwon defeated Geelong West in C Grade by 11 goals, South Barwon won another one-goal thriller against Newtown & Chilwell in D Grade and Newtown & Chilwell defeated St Mary’s by seven in E Grade.
