Mypolonga go back-to-back as River Murray Netball Association premiers in 2023
The Tigers have easily defeated Imperials, their oldest rivals, in this year’s grand final at Tailem Bend.
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Mypolonga’s netballers have proven themselves the best in the River Murray once again.
The Tigers defeated Imperials in a grand final for the second straight year on Saturday, and with ease in the end, 59-40.
Skilful deflections and tips, combined with lightning-fast ball movement and ruthless shooting, helped them build a double-digit lead in the second quarter which they never relinquished.
The Tiger army screamed ever louder with every interception and goal.
When the final whistle blew, players threw themselves into the air and each other’s arms, and before long champagne was spraying on the court.
Captain Stacey Smith, nee Hein – named best on court in the win, five days after she won the association’s A grade best and fairest award – credited everyone at the club for the win, including players who had filled in during the season.
The A reserve players all came out to training on Thursday despite not having a grand final to play themselves.
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“This year has been really special,” Smith said.
“Every player on this team has had their own battles and tough times throughout the year, (but) we’ve always wanted to show up to netball trainings on Thursday nights for each other and ourselves.
“The way that we, as a team, have wrapped our arms around each other through some of the toughest times has been special, and I’m truly honoured to be a part of this special team.”
She also thanked Imps for the latest tough battle in their ongoing rivalry.
“We have so much respect for you guys and love the opportunity to challenge you,” she said.
“We look forward to more battles next year and beyond.”
Imps go five for seven, Mallee win their first flag
In the other grades:
- A reserves: Ramblers defeated Imperials 61-56, best on court Layla Hearne
- B grade: Ramblers defeated Mannum 44-43, best on court Abbey Lehmann
- B reserves: Imperials defeated Ramblers 43-37, best on court Belinda Michalik
- C grade: Imperials defeated Tailem Bend 45-43, best on court Zoe Reynolds
- Intermediate one: Imperials defeated Mallee 41-40, best on court Gemma Cocks
- Intermediate two: Imperials defeated Mypolonga 54-59, best on court Caitlin Michalik
- Intermediate three: Imperials defeated Mallee 39-35, best on court Mia Williams
- Junior one: Mypolonga defeated Tailem Bend 30-28, best on court Mackenzie Cooper
- Junior two: Mallee defeated Jervois 41-21, best on court Ivy Koch
- Sub-junior one: Mypolonga defeated Jervois 42-17, best on court Caitlin Gravestocks
- Sub-junior two: Mypolonga defeated Jervois 31-16, best on court Mia Rathjen
Gate attendants estimated that more than 2100 people came to see the netball grand finals and River Murray Football League preliminary finals, including Mypolonga’s upset win over Southern Mallee in the A grade footy.
