RDFL netball: Rupertswood perfect year complete with premiership
Rupertswood overcame a serious challenge from defending premier Macedon to claim the Riddell District Netball League A Grade title.
Local Footy
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Rupertswood was made to earn its first Riddell District Netball League A Grade title the hard way.
Undefeated throughout the regular season, the Sharks came up against in-form defending premier Macedon, backed by a boisterous crowd, in the decider.
The Cats came out fast and led for virtually the entire match, only for Rupo to come over the top during a thrilling final term to win 44-43.
Macedon led 25-21 at half-time but both teams struggled to convert in gusty conditions during the third term.
The teams went goal-for-goal in the deciding quarter, only for Rupertswood to gain the ascendancy late on, led by best-on-court goal defence Matilda Elliot.
“When you’re sitting here as an underdog … because everyone’s down that end (supporting Macedon), to do what you do and keep getting up, to come back when you were down all day and do what you did, it makes me proud,” coach Dianne McCormack told her players after the final whistle.
“You work for each other, you play for each other, we’ve done that all season.
“There were girls who couldn’t get on the court today but it takes all of you and you’re part of that.
“Be proud of yourselves.”
Hannah Keane slotted 34 goals for the winners, while Chloe Wilson almost single-handedly pushed the Cats to the win, nailing 40 goals.