Pyramid aims to cap unbeaten run

THE undefeated Pyramid Hill will start favourite against Newbridge in tomorrow’s Loddon Valley Football-Netball League A grade netball grand final on the Serpentine court.Pyramid Hill achieved 15 wins and a draw in the home-and-away series.Defenders Stacey Scott and Brooke Watson will play key roles against Newbridge’s Anthea McEniry and Brooke Walters.The speed of midcourt players Merryn Rogan, Britt Harrison and Mandy Dingwall will be well-matched by the Maroons’ Brittany Eastman and Carmen Shevlin.Pyramid Hill’s attack is led by Jess Scott and Trace O’Donnell, who face a tough task against the in-form Newbridge defence. In B grade, Pyramid Hill takes on Mitiamo.The Pyramid Hill team was runner-up a year ago.Talented youngster Bianca Rawnsley and the experienced Deb Dingwall lead Pyramid Hill’s attack.The play of Ronda McCready, Deb Forster and Chelsea Emmerson will provide a lot of drive through midcourt.Defenders Kate Bartels, Lou McNaught and Kara Tatt will have to be right on their game to match Mitiamo’s skill.Mitiamo beat Pyramid Hill by 12 and three goals in the home-and-away series.In the second semi-final, Pyramid Hill won by six goals.The Superoos bounced back well in the preliminary final. In C grade, Mitiamo will play YCW.The Mitiamo line-up has a great mix of youth and experience and has teamed well all season.YCW has four players eligible for juniors, but they have proved all season they can handle the pace and physical nature of senior netball.Emily Gallagher has starred for the Eagles, while the experienced Jo Read and Carmen Bott are tough to beat in defence.Goalers Julie Black and Georgia Cross will aim to capitalise on the fast pace and skill of mid-court players Ingrid Ruff, Annie Leneghan, Hollie Lalor, and Jo ODwyer. Second on the ladder after 18 rounds, Mitiamo has starred in the 17-and-under finals series.Mitiamo won the qualfiying final against YCW by 10 goals and then followed up by beating minor premier, Pyramid Hill, in the second semi-final.Earlier in the season, Mitiamo beat YCW by 12 goals, but the Eagles bounced back to win the next contest by four goals.Players to watch in the Mitiamo team include captain Alison Leech, vice-captain Elisha McKean, Gabe Marlow, Maddison Nicholls and Sarah Ludeman.YCW has gone into every final as the less-fancied team.Bethany Cunning and Melissa Popple have been superb in attack.They have been supported by a fast paced centre court of Jenna Potter and Julia Lalor. The defence trio of Amy Buckle, Lisa Richardson and Carla Anderson have battled it out with Mitiamo all year, and from the last game are keen to score a win in YCWs favour. The Susan Borserio-coached YCW will be keen to claim the premiership flag. A big day for YCW includes the 15-and-under team being on court against Newbridge.YCW has played inspired netball during the finals series. The Eagles beat Newbridge in time-on and gained a lot of confidence from that match.The dynamic Thompson sisters team up in goal, while the defensive play of Grace Tuohey and Emily Cunning is a key to the Eagles’ play.Runner-up for the league best and fairest, Teaghan Welsh combines brilliantly in centre court with Sophie Alford, Chloe Bath, and Michelle Mannes.They are ably assisted by two of YC’s most experienced juniors in Jacinta Cherry and Emma Irving.Coach Alison O’Neal is striving for another 15-and-under premiership.Matches between YCW and Newbridge have been great contests all season.Newbridge fought on to score a great win against Pyramid Hill. League best and fairest Chloe Gloury is in superb form and will play a key role for the Maroons in the clash for the premiership.The consistency of two shooters Lauren Tully and Stephanie Grylls will keep the heat on YCW’s defence.Leah Dixon at goal defence works hard every quarter, while the height of Emily Gloury should ensure Newbridge makes the most of any rebounding opportunities.In midcourt, Lisa Cain and captain Rosie Rogasch have fighred among the best in the finals series.From off the bench, Michaela Metelmann, Kim Hancock and Amy Simmons will be keen to have an impact in a match likely to figure many fast fast passages of play and great goaling.