A BLISTERING opening quarter was enough for Whorouly to prevent Greta completing a comeback in Saturday's thrilling A grade grand final.
The Lions held on to win by a single goal, 49-48.
Greta had previously gone through the season undefeated, but was stunned by the underdogs from the first whistle.
Shooters Kerry Newton and Kelly Jackson were unstoppable for Whorouly, taking advantage of their team's domination around the court.
The Lions went out to a 10-goal lead early in the second quarter, before Greta showed why it has been such a great team all year and fought back.
The switch of Rebecca Duryea to goal defence provided security in the back line and allowed captain Amanda Coote to control the game from centre.
The Blues slowly pegged back Whorouly's buffer, but could not force their way into the lead.
Lions goal keeper Nat Marek-Rhodes was named best on court for her efforts in keeping the Blues from overwhelming her team.
Greta came within one goal late in the final quarter, but a Newton goal with less than 20 seconds remaining sealed the win.
Whorouly coach Jackson said she could not be happier with the performance of the team against the more fancied Blues.
"It was never going to be an easy game and we knew that," she said.
"They just kept on coming."
By - SHANA MORGAN.
CHAMPIONS: Whorouly's premiership stars (from left) Sarah Newton, Lee Cappellari, Rhonda Lockhart, Nat Marek-Rhodes, Janelle McMasters, Kelly Jackson, Sally Chalmers, Kristy Newton, Kerry Newton.
PHOTO: Stephen Henderson
The above photos are available to order from the Wangaratta Chronicle, at the front desk.
Last Modified on 21/09/2011 21:43