GOORAMBAT'S progression into a powerhouse of the Ovens and King Netball League took a big leap forward at the weekend, with the Bats knocking off minor premier Milawa in a cutthroat semi final.
The Bats headed in as underdogs, and the match got off to a predictable start as Milawa stormed out to a handy buffer early on.
But the exceptional defensive work of Kate Brunt and Alison Ellis saw Goorambat claw its way back into the contest, and by quarter time the Demons' lead was trimmed to just one goal.
The margin stayed that way during the second term, with Jackie Gardner, Sarah Clarke and Emily Canny battling to keep Milawa in front.
But a third quarter blitz from the Bats turned the match on its head.
Amelia Gall's work rate in the centre position sparked the turnaround, while league best and fairest Kylie Button and young gun Rebecca Lennard made the most of their opportunities in attack as Goorambat put together a 14-7 term to seize a six-goal lead heading into the final stanza.
From there it was simply a matter of maintaining the style of play that enabled them to get in front in the first place, and the Bats did just that, outscoring Milawa 11-9 to pull off a remarkable 44-36 win.
Coach Phil Bryant said the Bats had never doubted themselves heading in, knowing if their offensive end functioned well they had a genuine shot at victory.
"We always believed in ourselves," Bryant said.
"Earlier in the year our main problem was that our shooting percentages weren't high enough, but we've worked hard to fix that and we knew if we continued to make our shots we could beat them.
"It was all about scoreboard pressure that can change a match completely."
While the Bats have had stars all over the court this year, Bryant paid credit to Button for taking out the Fay Morgan Medal at the league's presentation night recently.
"That was a fantastic achievement for Kylie and the whole club," he said.
"Last year we had Ali Ellis in the Team of the Year, so to not get anyone in this year was a bit disappointing not that anyone who made it should have missed out.
"But for Kylie to go on and win the league best and fairest more than made up for that.
"It is a credit to the whole club, because you are only as good as the rest of your teammates.
"She works tremendously hard both in midcourt and in goals, and her defensive work is terrific as well."
Bryant said every player at the club deserved recognition, but singled out a few who played particularly well in the win over Milawa.
"Kate Brunt coached our B grade last year, and she has come up to help us out in defence this year and tied with Kylie in our best and fairest," he said.
"She has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we've all learnt a lot from her.
"Amelia Gall has been at Goorambat all her life she loves the club.
"She is as fit as anyone and ran four quarters at centre on Sunday.
"Her opponents really struggled to deal with her quick replies.
"Bec Lennard played goal defence for B grade last year, but we felt our percentages weren't high enough and we needed some rebounding at our attack end.
"She has come in and helped lift our percentages and provided that rebound as well, so she has been great."
Goorambat now progresses to a preliminary final against undefeated Greta at Moyhu on Sunday.
MEANWHILE, Whorouly is set to take on Moyhu in the other preliminary final this Saturday after a comfortable win over Tarrawingee.
The Lions started strong, getting out to an 11-goal lead by halftime.
But rather than take their foot off the pedal, they continued to stretch the margin in the second half, crushing the Bulldogs' resistance with a 17-5 third quarter.
With league Team of the Year member Janelle McMasters outstanding once again at wing attack, and Nat Marek-Rhodes and Sarah Newton also starring, Whorouly went on to record a 58-33 victory.
Eliza McMonigle, Lisa Kerlin and Kellie Symons were Tarrawingee's best players.
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
www.nenews.com.au
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DESPERATE: Bec Lennard (above) lunges forward in an attempt to block Jackie Gardner's pass.
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Last Modified on 07/09/2011 15:13