The Shepparton Bears 17-and-under netballers have survived a spirited Mooroopna comeback to clinch the Goulburn Valley League premiership, edging home 30–28 in an exciting grand final at Deakin Reserve on Sunday morning.

On a slippery court and in front of a vocal crowd, the contest ebbed and flowed, each side having moments of dominance before the Bears finally held their nerve in the dying minutes.

The early exchanges were messy, nerves showing as turnovers mounted, but neither side blinked. The scoreboard was locked at 7–7 at quarter-time, a fitting reflection of two evenly matched outfits.

Mooroopna looked the sharper side midway through the second quarter, building a two-goal buffer through the accuracy of Jinaya Nurse and Milla Aldridge. But Shepparton refused to go away, punishing every Cats error and reeling off a stunning six-goal run before half-time. From trailing 10–12, they stormed to a 16–12 lead, their defensive pressure across the court setting the tone.

The third term brought a twist. Tall shooter Layla Ratcliffe was injected for Mooroopna and immediately changed the contest, scoring freely and pulling the Cats back into the fight. With the momentum swinging, the margin was cut to one at the final change, Shepparton clinging to a 20–19 lead as the stage was set for a nail-biting finish.

In the last quarter, Shepparton’s composure proved decisive.

Lucy Bicknell and Matilda Ewart made their chances count, while Mooroopna’s turnovers in transition cost dearly.

The Cats never died, staying alive with a late flurry, drawing them back within a two goals, but it was too little, too late.

A final answering goal steadied Shepparton, and when the whistle blew at 30–28, their bench erupted.

Bella Gale was awarded best-on-court honours for her defensive efforts, while Lily Byers lifted the premiership trophy after acknowledging Mooroopna’s fighting performance and their fantastic season.

“To Mooroopna, you pushed us to the absolute max and you should be proud,” Byers said post-game.

“To the team, most of us have been at this for a few years now and we’ve finally done it!”

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Thursday, 21st January 2027

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