By Justin Flynn
After losing the past two Geelong Netball League grand finals, Newtown & Chilwell hit back to claim its eighth premiership in 10 seasons at Kardinia Park on Friday September 27.
The game had several lead changes throughout, but the Eagles were in front 38 to 34 at the final buzzer to bring more silverware back to Elderslie Reserve.
The celebrations were short-lived for star defender Ruby Pekin-Schlicht, who had to make a 9pm flight to London.
Pekin-Schlicht is doing her PhD in the UK for the next “two or three years” and said she might have to enjoy a celebratory drink on the plane.
“It was a really tough game, that first quarter I thought Joeys came out really strong and we climbed back in that second quarter and those third and fourth quarters were really tight, but we were able to get away in that fourth,” she said.
“A couple of turnovers can change everything.”
Goal attack Julia Woolley turned in another classic performance to be awarded best in court and said she was “beyond proud” of her team.
“We knew we had four minutes left and needed to run the clock down for four minutes,” she said.
“It got down to one minute, I had so much trust in the girls to maintain possession and not turn over the ball.
“The finals run that we had against Geelong West and South Barwon and today against a quality side like Joeys – we had to show discipline, we had to be patient. Joeys are so hard to beat.”
Colac surprised minor premiers South Barwon to win the B Grade premiership 40 to 34. League best and fairest Jessie Lang was best on court.
Leopold defeated South Barwon by one goal to win the C Grade flag with Anna Maher best.
In D Grade, Stacey Learmonth was best in a one-goal thriller as St Mary’s defeated Leopold.
South Barwon goal attack Sophie Robinson spearheaded her team’s 22 to 14 E Grade win against Leopold.
In the Under 19s, Newtown & Chilwell defeated Bell Park 28 to 21 with goal keeper Willow Tiopira judged best on court.
The Eagles also won both Division 1 and 2 of the 17 & Under grand finals against South Barwon. Charlize Cook and Luella Aldridge took best on court honours.
South Barwon swept the 15 & Under Divisions 1 and 2. The Swans defeated Geelong West in Division 1 after extra time with Leni Hepburn best while Div 2 defeated Newtown & Chilwell with goal shooter Poppy Wellington judged best.
The Swans also won both 13 & Under games. Division 1 defeated Newtown & Chilwell after extra time with Stevie Hepburn leading the way while Div 2 defeated Colac with Ruby Martin named best.
