NORTH Wangaratta finally claimed the big scalp it was after on Saturday when it held off reigning Ovens and King netball premier Whorouly by two goals.
The Hawks trailed by three goals at the main break but through the work of Rochelle Knights, Kate Jenkin and Micaela Larkings, they outscored the Lions 14-7 in the third quarter to take a four-goal lead into the final change.
Whorouly continued to charge throughout the final term with Sally Chalmers and Ash Dent pushing hard, however, it wasn't enough as the Hawks held on to win 38-36.
Hawks coach Kim Graetz and Rochelle Knights swapped positions and Graetz said it had a positive effect.
"The girls definitely played well," Graetz said.
"It was a total team effort and I couldn't have asked for any more.
"We basically swapped our two ends I went from defence to attack and Rochelle went from attack to goal defence.
"Those combinations seemed to work and the team gelled really well."
While the Lions were red-hot favorites to win the match and would have been favored to extend their half time lead, Graetz said she wasn't surprised by the Hawks' third quarter performance.
"The girls were just really determined and believed they could win," she said.
"That's all it was the belief was there.
"And I think because they have been working on it for so long it just paid off this weekend."
Graetz was quick to heap praise on Knights' role in defence after she had played the majority of the season as the side's goal attack.
"I know how well Rochelle can play goal defence," she said.
"And she played superbly.
"I knew she had this type of game in her and I was hoping it was just around the corner."
Jenkin finished with 31 goals in a dominant performance as goal shooter and Graetz said the young star revealed she felt more comfortable against the Lions.
By - JEREMY WILSON.
IN FRONT: Milawa star Sarah Clarke wins the ball despite pressure from Moyhu's Jenni Annett.
PHOTO: Cheryl Browne
Last Modified on 20/06/2012 13:21