Nilma Darnum end Neerim South’s reign in the rain

A Grade Nilma Darnum def Neerim South 37-32

Nilma Darnum have won their first A Grade Premiership since 1986 in epic fashion on Saturday at Yarragon, taking down the undefeated Neerim South by five goals.

In a netball match for the ages, the huge crowd witnessed just about everything a netball match could offer including rain, hail and shine. Nilma Darnum Captain Stacey Lawry, having won her second league best and fairest in as many years the Monday night prior, dominated from start to finish to be named Best on Court at both Goal Keeper and Defence. 

Nilma’s Coach, Rachael Chandler, led her team to victory from her first possession in the Centre with her typical dogged game, fantastic changes and match ups to maintain momentum along with words of inspiration at the breaks to see her Bombers home 37 goals to Neerim’s 32.

The first quarter was a taste of things to come for the full 60 minutes of the match. Despite the court being wet and slippery, all players moved the ball with ease and speed. Heavy body contact and clashes were on display as not one player shirked an issue when it was their time to contest.

Nilma hit the scoreboard first, but the next three goals dropped for Neerim South and it was safe to say the crowd were questioning immediately whether it was going to be a straight sets victory to the Cats. Nilma found their rhythm and edged in front first, however Neerim through the talents of their coach Christie Urie and sister Tarli Hillberg, evened the score by the end of the first quarter, 7 goals a piece.

A change to Nilma’s line up brought Nikki Mirams into Goal Keeper and the dynamic Mel Cook to Wing Defence. Neerim came out firing to start the second quarter and were capitalising on any mistake Nilma made. With high pressure and high stakes the umpires maintained control with consistent calls and advice when required.

Nilma by the long break had edged in front by two goals and were believing “what if?” With the first four goals of the third quarter, the twin towers up front for Nilma in Hayley Purcell and Skye Rees were finishing off the work their defence and midcourt provided.  

Neerim were swinging changes through their mid court, with McGarrity, Chandler and Fusinato but the ship couldn’t steady as Nilma through their hard and consistent play and throwing their body at everything, moved out to a five goal lead in the “premiership quarter”.

Both teams entered the final quarter willing to give it their all. The high intensity gave the crowd what they’d paid for. As Nilma reset often and worked the ball around to maintain possession, a run of three goals with about five minutes to go, brought the margin back to two goals as Neerim kept coming. With enough time on the clock it was still anyone’s game.

It was Nilma Darnum who stood strong when it counted and with the dominance of Lawry and the final goal to Hayley Purcell, the Darno’s were ecstatic when the final siren sounds to be crowned EDFNL A Grade Premiers for 2024.

BOC Stacey Lawry Nilma Darnum

The EDFNL netball season has come to a fitting climax with six different Clubs winning a Premiership, on a wet but entertaining day at the courts in Yarragon.

13 & Under Buln Buln def Poowong 29-15

The day started between Buln Buln and Poowong in the 13&Under division with the rain already falling to be consistent throughout the day. Buln scored the first goal and through tight defence and accurate shooting lead at quarter time by a match winning seven goals. 

Wet weather and cold hands made for lots of turn overs and despite a better quarter from the Pies, the seven-goal margin was maintained.

Poowong had a better start to their third quarter, however by the end of the quarter, Buln still lead by the same and were able to push it out to a final score of 29 to 15 at the end of the game.

The umpires awarded Buln Buln Tiffy Walsh Best on Court for her excellent match in the Centre.

15 & Under Catani def Buln Buln 22-18

The 15s match between Buln Buln and Catani was a replay of the 13s Grand Final last year and gave the crowd plenty to cheer about. Despite a slow start for both teams, the defensive pressure from both teams was great to watch. Buln held a one goal lead at the first break with the quarter on centre passes.

Buln edged out by a couple of goals, however Catani were not to be outdone and by the end of the first half it was still the one goal margin in favour of the Lyrebirds. The third quarter, Catani put their foot down through defensive pressure and ability to finish off the hard work. At the last change, Catani had kept Buln to just two goals, breaking the game open to lead by five.

Buln tried everything, making changes across the court, while Catani held their nerve. Despite missing a few shots late in the game, the second half effort in both defence and attack was just too strong for a win to the Blues, 18 -22.

Best on Court went to Catani’s Centre, Miley Warde.

17 & Under Poowong def Catani 40-34

The 17s match between Catani and Poowong started with the first three goals to the Blues and before Poowong was able to get on the board. A run of seven goals late in the quarter from the Pies gave them a two goal lead.

Poowong handled the pressure and conditions with another run of five goals in the second term to set up the game leading 21 to 14. Catani struggled to keep the ball in the attacking end and while Poowong played good consistent team netball. Stretching the margin out to 12 by the last change the Pies were up and about.

Plenty of changes for the Blues throughout the match, Catani best quarter was their last fighting hard to reduce the margin, but it was all Poowong. Maintaining control when it counted, the Pies won another 17s premiership by six goals, 40 to 34.

Defender Zara McNair from Poowong was named Best on Court.

C Grade Lang Lang def Ellinbank 28-23

The C Grade match had underdogs Lang Lang up against the ever consistent Ellinbank. It was the Tigers who handled the pressure better and wet conditions the better. Ellinbank’s midcourt provided some great passing into their goalers, however enough turnovers occurred for a Lang Lang lead of three at the first break.

The rain eased during the second quarter and the match heated up. Both teams were strong at every contest. With plenty to play for Lang Lang maintained their advantage to lead 15 – 12 at half time. 

Only four goals in a quarter for the Tigers swung the momentum to Ellinbank it was a one goal ball game at the last turn. Lang Lang dug deep and when the pressure mounted the goalers stepped up. Despite the pressure and effort from Ellinbank it was Lang Lang’s long awaited Premiership winning 28 – 23.

The umpires awarded Best on Court to Wing Attack from Lang Lang, Letetia Herbert.

B Grade Elinbank def Nilma Darnum 52-31

Ellinbank came out strong to start the B Grade game, looking to make up for their C Grade’s defeat. Nilma Darnum had to work hard for every opportunity, as Ellinbank took a handy lead to the first break 13 to 6.

Ellinbank missed a few shots early in the second while Nilma were able to peg the margin back with a few goals in a row. Ellinbank’s consistent midcourt ball movement was great to watch as the Eagles moved out further 22 – 13.

Nilma had their best quarter for the game, gaining possession with rebounds and intercepts, but it still wasn’t enough as their 11 goals were outdone by Ellinbank’s 14. The final quarter allowed Ellinbank to feel the rewards for all their efforts both throughout the season and on the day as they finished off with a big 16 goal quarter to win 52 to 31.

Young gun, Remy Ferguson in Goals for Ellinbank was named Best on Court.