A Grade, B Res netball and Under 14 AFL Lions clinch premierships

A Grade by Lani Houston - Hay 62 defeated Murrabit 48

In perfect conditions for a grand final Hay came out strong from the start.

The first two quarters were closely contested with both teams going goal for goal.

Kellie Walker and Ellie Parr combined well in the circle, shooting with accuracy and rebounding to convert.

Hannah Stewart used her strong leads to pull in every centre pass and feed into the circle.

Hay’s defensive pressure across the court was impressive.

Sophie Stephens played one of her best games in goal keeper, shutting down their shooter and Maddie Mannes was electric, using her nimbleness and speed to grab intercepts.

Jade Auldist was relentless in her hand over pressure on the ball and Toni Rivett provided that steady option through the middle court.

The team received great support from Olivia Joyce, Jasmine Gregory, Sophie Tapper and Emily Caughey.

Murrabit felt the pressure and started to make a few errors that Hay capitalised on.

Hay was spurred on by their home crowd and edged away in the final quarter to win convincingly by 14 goals, capping off a fantastic season for the Hay.

“They learned and grew as a team from every match and brought all their skills, patience, discipline and pressure together for the match that mattered most,” coach Lani Houston said.

“The win was a real team effort. Congratulations to the Hay team for the first A Grade flag in history for the Lions. So proud!!”

Hay Lions A Grade netball team embrace as they won their first premiership since the Hay club joined Golden Rivers competition 38 years ago. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Krista Schade.

B Reserve by Leonnie Laracy - Hay 41 defeated Ultima 28

In perfect netball conditions, Hay Reserve took the court for the most important game of the season.

To take victory Hay would need to get their own goals and also apply enough defensive pressure to turn the ball over and then capitalise.

The game plan was simple but executing in a grand final game can sometimes prove difficult.

Hay started shakily, and were four goals down at first quarter break, but there was no panic as Hay knew what they were capable of.

Hay refocused and produced a fantastic second quarter, and at half time it was Hay 20 Ultima 15.

This Hay B Reserve team have never lost a game once they get their nose in front and Saturday’s game was no different.

Hay continued to push through the mid court, through the efforts of Kylie Brettschneider, Talitha Brown and Emily Hill, whilst the best defence in the business Leslee Grahme, Jessica Weymouth and Courtney McDonald kept things tight and made it difficult for Ultima to mount an attack.

Hay’s shooters Lisa Lund and Trisha Jamieson held strong and made good decisions in the goal circle.

When the siren sounded for the last time this season, the team were 13 goals in front and could be proud of the game they played.

This season’s success was a true team effort and all 14 players, including Kirsten Hutchings, Rhiannon Moore, Leonnie Laracy, Emily Taylor, Matilda Nisbet and Hannah Jamieson contributed to get the team to the grand final. Big congratulations go to all the team on a great result - taking out the 2024 Premiership with a final score of 41 to 28.

The B Reserve team were clearly overjoyed with their well deserved win as the post match awards were distributed. Image: The Riverine Grazier/ Krista Schade.

Under 14 Lions AFL by Krista Schade.

The junior team of Hay Lions Football and Netball Club flew the flag for their club on Saturday, claiming the Golden Rivers under 14.5s premiership.

Hay Lions met Murrabit on their own turf at Hay Park, taking the slight home ground advantage.

Play was even throughout the first quarter and scores locked at 12 all, however Hay pulled ahead into the half-time break.

Murrabit clawed their way back to within two points at the end of the third and the atmosphere across the huge grand final crowd was electric.

Hay fans were warmed up by a group of enthusiastic young fans who formed a cheer squad that showed incredible energy to be on the go all day.

As the final siren rang out, Hay had posted a narrow three-point victory.

Hay was best served by Max Hutchings who was later named player of the grand final, along-side Kobe Payne, Kyper Woods, Hilton Hargreaves, Harry Houston and Liam Young.

Alex Giddins booted two goals, and singles were posted by Bill Houston, Hilton Hargreaves, Ned Williamson, captain Max Hutchings and vice-captain Liam Young.

Final score: Hay 7.6-45 to Murrabit 7.3-45.

Kyper Woods going for the ball during the Under 14 match, from which they walked away premiers. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Krista Schade.

Under 17 netball by Jade Auldist - Ultima 40 defeated Hay 39

Hay 17s netball team put on a spectacular display of skill and determination, but ultimately fell short, losing by a single point, 40-39.

The team showed incredible teamwork; executing seamless passes, applying relentless pressure on their opponents, and creating numerous turnovers through intercepts and rebounds.

The shooters worked in perfect harmony, converting perfect opportunities.

Playing in front of their passionate home crowd in Hay added an extra layer of intensity to the match. The atmosphere was electric as the team fought tooth and nail, leaving everything on the court.

Despite their fantastic effort, the final whistle sounded with Hay trailing by a single point.

The heartbreaking loss undoubtedly stings, but the team can hold their heads high, knowing they gave it their all.

Their performance in the grand final was a testament to their talent, dedication, and team spirit.

Under 17 coach Jade Auldist gives the Under 17 team a rousing pep talk during a break. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Krista Schade.

Under 14 by Hannah Stewart - Murrabit 57 defeated Hay 47

The Hay under 14 team started strongly in their first ever home grand final.

Their hunger and determination saw them take an early lead, with their elite ball movement and extreme pressure over the ball.

Murrabit were quick to answer back, resulting in a four-goal lead at the end of the first quarter.

Hay continued to play amazing netball and never gave in to Murrabit taking the lead. They continued to push and excel in very warm conditions.

Shooters, Hannah Jamieson and Racheal Taylor were work horses in the ring.

Their accuracy, positioning, rebounds and never-give-up attitude was unmatched.

In the mid-court Jess Tapper and Poppy Barnes were a dynamic duo, providing amazing support to the shooters. with impeccable passing and applying pressure to get turnovers.

Hannah Edmonds, Evie Creighton and Maggie Shields were strong in defence.

They had a tough match with Murrabit stacked in the height department, but that didn’t stop them.

The Lions worked tirelessly all game, never giving up, gaining intercepts and rebounds with their anticipation and applying great strategies and team work.

Tilly Weeks, Hay’s most versatile player, was rotated through the mid-court, in both attack and defence throughout the game.

Tilly’s fresh legs brought great energy to the court, and her ability to switch between positions and adjust to whatever is thrown at her is unmatched.

Lily Books, Alaina May and India Phillips played a vital role in this squad throughout the season.

Even though they didn’t take the court on Saturday, the players provided great encouragement and belief in the rest of the squad. They were essential to the team’s success this season.

The team gave it their all, but unfortunately, were defeated by Murrabit with a final score of 57-47.

The talented Under 14 team fought valiantly, but Murrabit prevailed. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Kimberly Grabham.