They came. They conquered. They'll be back.
The BGT Employment Melton Centrals answered all their critics on Sunday when they defeated the fired up Macedon Cats 43 – 40 in the Western Water A Grade Premiership. But only just.
Centrals went into the game clear favourites. Finishing the season undefeated and winning two great finals games against quality opposition will do that. The pressure was on the Navy Blues and Macedon had nothing to lose in this Grand Final and the fire works were on early in the game. Throughout the season, Centrals smashed sides at will, playing to win but they started this game timidly and found themselves in deep water. Macedon, knowing what it is like at finals time, showed Centrals how to play grand final netball, moving the ball quickly throughout the court and defending ferociously.
Centrals were under the pump and it looked like the ghosts of the past were coming back to haunt them. Their shooting was down, Janine Ryan Medallist Rebecca Pereira shot at 74% while Mardi Button shot at 68%. The ball was turned over through the middle through errant passing and intense defending. Tran Truong and Jess May found it hard getting the ball up the court and playing at their attacking best. Macedon (maybe through game footage) had found a way to get to Melton and stop their run and attack. After the Cats jumped to an 8 goal lead at three quarter time, the Cats didn’t calculate the Navy Blue Army.
After the Reserves game went into half time, the Navy Blue Army walked across to the netball court to inspire Centrals to play better. It was an eerie silence at the start of the fourth quarter, not even a whisper as the crowd watched these two great teams lock horns. The Navy Blue Army found voice with every possession and every goal. Centrals were fighting hard to make their way back into the game. As they whittled away the margin, the Army got louder, Centrals played harder and the Cats began to argue with each other. May and Truong led the fight back, intercepting passes and controlling the ball as theY moved it into attack. Megan Gaw played a great last quarter as she began to rebound the ball from defence. Pereira lifted her intensity as did defenders Nicole Reid and Mel Laird. Athletic prowess and the cheering from the supporters inspired the side.
Centrals fought their way back from an 8 goal deficit and produced an amazing three goal win against the Cats and put themselves in the record books. This side is the first to win a netball premiership at Melton and they did it in style, undefeated. Everyone who represented this side has done their part to give the team its ultimate success. Team co-captains Jess May and Nicole Reid led the side well, Mel Laird took on the best shooters, Mel Allen provided great run and attack, she played a pivotal role against Broadford in the first final. Kirsten Briggs also played great netball in a range of positions this year and Megan Gaw was great at Wing Defence in her fill-in rolls. Kelly Briggs showed that she could play in any position in defense and became the great utility for the side. Mardi Button was the ultimate team player, teaming up well with Bec Pereira to become the best shooting duo in the league. And Tran Truong. She is the best attacking mid-court player in the league and showed why in the Grand Final.
Congratulations to the whole BGT Employment Melton Centrals side for the great season they have put on. Not only have they put Centrals on the map, but they have been the ultimate team and club players. All this is credit to coach Randy Pereira. He has been able to put this side on the court through great adversity, fighting many issues throughout the year but remaining professional at all times, keeping his eye on the prize. Pereira is the ultimate coach, professional, inspiring, fair and approachable; he thoroughly deserves the success that he has brought to this club. Congratulations Randy and all the players involved at Centrals. We have proved to the league and all the critics that we are the best side… time to do it all again next year.
GO CENTRALS!
