RESERVES FOOTBALL
Yea 5.5 (35) defeated by Seville 11.9 (75)
Yea’s finals campaign is over for 2018, suffering a 40-point defeat at the hands of a much-improved Seville outfit.
The Tigers never recovered from a slow start that saw the Blues slam on the first three goals of the match and take control of proceedings to lead by 19 points at the quarter-time break.
Yea worked their way back into the contest in the second term and began to dominate in general play but simply couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities, with Seville stretching the lead to 26 points by half-time.
Although the Tigers battled hard, they couldn’t hit the scoreboard after the long break and at 39 points behind at three quarter time, the Blues had done enough to take the sting out of the game.
Three late goals, including the first of the final term from Trent McMahon within a minute, kept the margin from blowing out but the day well and truly belonged to Seville.
Cameron Evans racked up possessions at will through the midfield, Julian Mahon was at the bottom of every pack from start to finish and Ian Porter offered great drive from the back half.
Darcy Pell competed hard in the ruck against a quality opponent and Ben Broadway tried his heart out in the centre of the ground, while McMahon presented well and finished with two majors.
Seville will take on Yarra Junction this Sunday after the Eagles went down to Yarra Glen by 30 points.
Goalkickers: T. McMahon 2, B. Broadway, J. Mahon, D. Pell
Best Players: B. Broadway, E. Neilson, D. Pell, T. McMahon, J. Mahon, I. Porter.
– Patrick Evans

NETBALL
B-GRADE
Yea v Powelltown
Yea took hold of this match right from the first whistle, playing at a high intensity and a real hunger for the ball.
Every girl on court fought hard for every ball and this willingness and enthusiasm saw the Tigers shoot the first six goals of the game. Powelltown really had to fight hard for their goals as the defensive trio of Cindy N, Lauren and Sarah worked overtime on them, forcing Powelltown into errors.
Meg was on fire at GS and a 100 per cent conversion of 14 goals in the first quarter certainly helped Yea to a 16-5 quarter-time lead.
Tara and Sophie were superb at WA and C in the second quarter, following the coaches instructions to drive hard in the second phase after the centre pass.
These drives put them right on to the circles edge where they were able to be patient and deliver the ball well into Meg and Cindy H.
At the other end of the court Cindy N read the incoming ball beautifully and was able to intercept many balls, and with her defensive partner protecting the post, Powelltown just didn’t have the answers. Yea 30-10 at half time.
Changes were made in the midcourt at half time – Kate replacing Tara at WD, Regina into WD and Sarah moving into C to give Sophie a very well deserved rest.
These changes did not alter the Tigers play one bit, the new midcourt combination continuing on exactly where the others had left off.
Brilliant drives and ball transition from defence to attack had Powelltown in chase mode and with the added defensive pressure from Kate and Regina, the Tigers had a ripper quarter. They added another 19 goals to lead by 33 goals at the last break.
The line-up remained unchanged in the last quarter and the Tigers continued on their merry way, Meg having another 14 goal quarter to amass 51 goals for the qame.
The coach praised the team for their outstanding performance, a great team effort with nine solid contributors. The B-Grade girls take on Seville next Sunday for a Grand Final place.
Yea 67 def Powelltown 21
Goals: M. Sundblom 51, C. Hayes 16.
Best: M. Sundblom, C. Hayes, S. Watts.

D-GRADE
Yea v Alexandra
This was a ripper game from start to finish, the result going Yea’s way after a strong and confident finish from the Tiger girls.
It was tipped to be tight and it was, evident from the start that this game was going to go right down to the wire.
Both teams started tentatively playing safe and steady netball and making sure they worked the ball into a great position in the goal circle before scoring.
Kristy, Kate and Caitlyn worked the ball around the goal circle, and it was Hannah who set up well to score some great goals for the Tigers. It was mostly goal for goal in this first quarter and the teams went to the break with 7 each.
Yea’s defence was superb in the second quarter. The full court pressure from all players was high quality and forced Alex into multiple errors. Jill and Teagan were smart and strong in the defensive circle, both players on bigger opponents but they positioned themselves beautifully and forced the goalers into difficult scoring positions.
Ebony was brilliant at WD, her closing speed to the ball was a real highlight and she made countless deflections that in turn put her team back into attack. Yea managed 5 for the quarter but their work rate defensively kept Alex to 3, giving them a two-goal lead at half-time.
Yea started the second half strongly. Kristy and Hannah were proving a formidable goaling team, both girls strong targets in the circle and if the shot was missed they both rebounded strongly. Kate and Caitlyn were fantastic in the goal third, continuing to be great options for the goalers by staying strong on the circles edge. Yea got out to a four-goal lead before Alex had a late surge in the quarter and reduced Yea’s lead to just one at three-quarter time.
The last quarter had the spectators on their feet with nerves. Both teams worked hard under intense pressure and played goal for goal netball. Alex gained a critical turnover and soon levelled and then with the centre pass their way, took the lead.
This could have deflated the Tiger team but instead they rose to the occasion and all seven players picked up their work rate. The defensive efforts were incredible with every girl either forcing a held ball, deflecting a ball or intercepting a ball.
Every effort lifted the team and they were able to storm home to win by four goals. A mighty performance that you should all be very proud of. Next weekend the team face Gembrook for the first place in this year’s Grand Final.
Yea 25 def Alexandra 21
Goals: H. Broderick 22, K. Schaeffer 3.
Best: T. Britton, E. Edge, H. Broderick.

THIS SUNDAY
All four Yea netball teams will play next Sunday, all vying for the first Grand Final position. We look forward to seeing many supporters there cheering the Tigers on.
A-Grade – Yea v Kinglake
B-Grade – Seville v Yea
C-Grade – Yea v Seville
D-Grade – Gembrook v Yea
– Cindy Hayes