Netball
2 September, 2024
Panthers win thriller at home
Rupanyup defeated Kalkee by one goal in a thriller in the Horsham District Football Netball League semi-final, which was played at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve on Sunday.
The home crowd was silenced early, as Kalkee got off to a fast start and led by four goals at quarter-time.
Rain started to fall in the second quarter, which helped the Panthers. They were able to slow up the game, and they scored 12 goals to four to lead by four goals at halftime.
It was goal-for-goal in the last, with Kalkee edging back slightly to trail by three goals at three-quarter-time.
It was a tense final quarter, with scores leveling up on three occasions, but Rupanyup capitalised on their chances more and ran out one-goal winners, 32-31.
Zanaiya Bergen and Bianca Drum scored 13 and 12 goals for the Panthers, respectively, with Maddison Morgan scoring seven.
Jarrah Martin and Jenna Bywaters shot 16 and 15, respectively, for the Kees.
Panthers coach Jedda Heard said it was windy early on, but the team was able to compose themselves as the game went on.
"Weather-wise, it was a bit windy and windy enough to be a bit annoying, but it didn't make that much of a difference," Heard said.
"In that second quarter, the rain helped us a bit as we could slow the ball down, especially with it being wet and slippery, and it was by far our best quarter.
"We managed to keep it going in the third quarter but dropped it off a bit in the last, as a few things rattled us, but the girls were able to compose themselves and fought out a great win."
"It's great to win these close games, and we have shown during the year that we can win them."
Lucy Bussenschutt and Victoria Taylor were excellent in defence for the Panthers.
"Their pressure was great, and it enabled a few turnovers, which allowed us to capitalise on them, and we managed to do that," Heard said.
"Victoria, in particular, has been very consistent down there. I don't think she has had a bad game all year, and she is a very important player.
"I also think it's helped us having a couple of extra players come in during the season, in Bianca Drum and Lucy, as it has taken the pressure off everyone else in defence and attack as we can rotate it around."
Next week, the Panthers play the Bombers at Natimuk Showgrounds, and Heard knows it will be a difficult match.
"If things go well, I think we will get over the line, but anything can happen in finals, and I think it will depend on who shoots better on the day," Heard said.
"With it being even all over the court, whoever can get their goals in and does well in shooting - that will be the difference."