On paper, the C-grade Kyabram District League netball decider between Girgarre and Shepparton East looked like an absolute barnstormer.

The Eagles had won the regular season meeting between the pair and finished atop the ladder, but the second-placed Roos got their revenge with a five-goal semi-final win to book their spot in the decider.

A blockbuster was expected on the final day of the season, but Girgarre had other plans, dominating proceedings from first possession to final whistle and clinging the premiership with a brilliant 36-22 victory.

Such was the dominance, the Roos very nearly ended the game before it had truly begun, with a whirlwind opening five minutes propelling Girgarre to an eight-straight unanswered goal start, with the scoreboard reading 8-1 by the time the Eagles finally opened their account.

But Shepparton East settled and worked its way into the contest, trimming away some of that early deficit to trail by four at the first break, and it looked like the crowd was going to get its epic.

The Roos once again blew the contest open in the second term, however, racing out to an eight-goal lead again by half time despite the Eagles closing to within three in the early stages of the second quarter.

Shepparton East tried to remain within touching distance after the break, but the early fightback had seemingly burnt all of its matches, as the Roos lead grew to double digits in the third term, with Girgarre enjoying a game-high 30-16 advantage as the two sides entered the huddle for the final time.

The final term was a stalemate, Girgarre content with the margin and the Eagles accepting of the fact they had no route to glory, with the Roos exultant as the umpires blew the final whistle.

Co-coaches Hollie Mitchell and Reh Collyer were left beaming after lifting the silverware, with Mitchell in sheer disbelief at what her side had accomplished.

“I wasn’t actually believing that it happened to be honest,” Mitchell said of her emotions at the final siren.

“Even the whole game, it didn’t feel like we were that many up at all, the whole time, but I can’t believe it, I still can’t believe it.”

Despite fearing an Eagles comeback throughout the entirety of the contest, Mitchell said the win was a testament to the dedication of the group, with all 12 girls stepping up throughout the season.

“Honestly, our first quarter when we just came out firing, I thought they might have come back throughout the game,” Mitchell said.

“But to just continue our lead throughout the whole game was just amazing, I didn't expect us to keep going, but it just shows how hard we've worked all year to get that win.”

Stacey Fletcher was instrumental through the midcourt as Girgarre stormed to victory, and was awarded the best on court medal by the umpires for her performance.

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Monday, 5th December 2022

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