GISBORNE started fast, got the shakes and then regained its composure to claim its first BFNL A-grade netball premiership by one goal over Kangaroo Flat on Saturday.
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Gisborne won a thrilling grand final 39-38 against the gallant Roos at the QEO.
Gisborne threatened to blow the game apart when leading 27-13 in the second quarter.
Flat fought back with an 18-3 run to take the lead in a pulsating third term.
But Gisborne rose again to cap a dominant season, in which it lost only once, by lifting the premiership trophy.
"It's unbelievable, it's just amazing," Gisborne coach Sandra Stewart said.
"We got really flustered in that third quarter Kangaroo Flat just came back at us really hard.
"I'm almost speechless, actually, it was such a close game."
Gisborne also won the 17-and-under flag 43-41 over Flat on Saturday.
Gisborne had only won one premiership in any grade before - the 17s in 2006 - heading into Saturday's grand finals.
"I think the whole club is very excited, it's just fantastic," Stewart said.
"It was tough with our under-18s (footballers) losing to Sandhurst this morning, so having two netball victories I think it's great for netball in the club and in the town of GIsborne as well."
The red, white and blue are sure to celebrate long and hard after a tough A-grade battle.
Gisborne were the raging favourites and showed no signs of pressure or nerves in a fast start.
Goal-shooter Annie Stewart was unstoppable with 12 goals in the opening term.
A 16-10 first quarter was followed by an 11-8 second term and it was a question of how far Gisborne.
But Flat, which made the grand final after running down Sandhurst in the preliminary final, had other ideas.
Brooke Lawry was switched into wing-attack and captain Karly Bingham went into the centre.
Alicia McGlashan showed why she's rated one of the best defenders in the competition by linking the Roos' play.
Suddenly, the Roos had more drive through mid-court and incredibly overhauled a shell-shocked Gisborne.
Flat goal-shooter Nina Cass, who had a great duel against best-on-court Melissa Harris, netted eight goals for the term.
Rachel Mackenzie put the Roos ahead in dying minutes, before Stewart re-established Gisborne's lead 32-31 at the last change.
The final quarter was a heart-stopper.
Just like last year, when Eaglehawk came from nowhere to win by a goal on the siren, the big and vocal crowd was treated to a breath-taking display of skill and physicality.
Maddi Exell gave Gisborne a fast start, but the Roos kept coming.
Even when Gisborne led 37-33 Flat wouldn't lie down.
The Roos scored four of the last five goals to get back to within one.
But the final whistle beat Flat and handed Gisborne an unforgettable first flag.
Final scores - Gisborne 16 27 32 39
Kangaroo Flat 10 18 31 38
Best on court - Melissa Harris (GK, Gisborne)
Goals - Gisborne - Annie Stewart 27, Maddi Exell 12.
Kangaroo Flat - Nina Cass 26, Rachel Mackenzie 11, Brooke Lawry 1.
In the other grades, Sandhurst defeated Kyneton to claim the A-reserve premiership 49-40.
Sandhurst goalshooter Gabby Greene was named best on court.
Sandhurst also claimed the B-grade and B-reserve crowns.
The 'Hurst defeated Flat 52-49 in B-grade, with Erica Dalrymple-Monro adding the best player medal to her premiership medallion.
Sandhurst won a thrilling B-reserve grand final 36-35 to finish the season undefeated.
Sandhurst's Amy Van Heumen was named best player.
Kangaroo Flat was upset by GIsborne in the 17-and-under grand final 43-41.
Gisborne claimed its second 17s flag in its history.
Kangaroo Flat defender Bronte Deary was awarded the best player's medal.
