Following on from Kim Fitzpatrick’s memorable recollection of the 2009 preliminary final, played at Wycheproof, another of Charlton’s well known identities, Jayne Burton, provides her summary of the “A” grade game and her memories of a challenging day.
Jayne recalls there being unbelievable scoring of 18-all at full-time. In “time on”, Charlton won by 1 goal, but what’s more, the football did the same, and played in extra time to gain their spot in the granny. Charlton rocked that day the gods shone for us.
Jayne filled multiple roles that day, being scribe for the “Times”, club president and team coach, and being absolutely windblown by the end of the day.
The gazebo set up by the host club blew over, the scorers had to be changed position, the courts were changed after the “A” Grade to accommodate a more sheltered spot, and the roof blew off the adjacent poultry shed.
It was a very different day!
Bluster Conditions for Netball Preliminary Finals
(By Jayne Burton - Charlton)
Beautiful sunny skies greeted us with a slight breeze when we all arrived at Wycheproof for the preliminary finals.
However, the weather turned half-way through our first match, producing conditions not seen in finals for many long years. We have had windy conditions before, but this was extraordinary.
“A” Grade, Charlton v. Wedderburn
This game was expected to be high quality, with the skills both teams are known to possess; however, it ended up being the clash of the Titans. The first quarter saw a display of great skill considering the miserable conditions, and as all finals are, this was going to be a close encounter.
All goalers at both ends were under enormous pressure and could just not convert after numerous attempts. The defence by both teams was absolutely unbelievable, with rebounds galore from the disheartened goalers. This was going to test even the most experienced of players.
The score was Wedderburn 4 to Charlton 2. This would have to be the smallest score ever recorded in an “A” grade match.
The second quarter brought some positional changes to Wedderburn’s attack, and a target in the goal ring, as expected, gave their players a boost, and they increased their lead. Continued pressure from both teams was making it difficult for either to gain some momentum; however, Wedderburn held on to be leading by 4, which was a huge margin for this game. Score 10 to 6. Charlton looked down and out, and tried to get back into the game, but just could not convert.
The third quarter some positional changes were made all over the court by Charlton, trying to match up against the opposition to decrease their lead somewhat. This had an impact, and both teams fought hard for every opportunity to keep possession of the ball. Charlton fought back 2 goals to be only 2 behind. Wedderburn 14 – Charlton 12.
By the start of the last quarter the conditions were absolutely intolerable, and decision was made to change the next 2 matches over to the other court. However, the “A” grade had to play their match out where they commenced the game.
Huge dust spirals caught the girls and attacked their faces and legs with biting effect; they were lucky to be able to see at one stage.
The quarter was shaping up to be a fantastic contest, and the last roll of the dice for both sides to make it to the grand final the following week.
Both teams put their bodies on the line, showing great skills and staying power. Again and again the ball was turned over down the court, see-sawing back and forth until Charlton managed a couple of turnovers and some goals. The score was tied at 18-all at full time.
The crowd erupted, and both teams were physically exhausted and knew they had another 10 minutes to find something extra from their worn bodies. Extra time is a huge task on any normal day, especially at such a high level. The crowd was really getting into the match. After the first 5 minutes, Wedderburn slipped away to a 3-goal lead and looked to have it won, considering the small margin of goals scored for the whole game, but Charlton did not give in, and clawed its way back with grit and determination, to again level the score.
It looked like going to extra, extra time; however, great defence at the right time enabled the Navies to score another goal and the timer went with Charlton winning by one.
This game was probably the most amazing we have seen in our district for many years, and all girls should be extremely proud of their efforts and their sportsmanship to each other on the day. Charlton 22 to Wedderburn 21.
Best for Charlton was Kate Burton, and for Wedderburn Sophie Holt.
More netball "moments" at: Charlton and Wycheproof Netball
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