MYRTLEFORD’S 15 and under netball squad has won through to this Sunday’s Ovens and Murray grand final by the barest of margins, defeating Wangaratta Rovers 44-43 at Birallee Park on the weekend.

The youngest Saints broke out to an early lead and were able to keep in front for the majority of the game, but Rovers loomed ever threatening.

Wangaratta never gave in, bringing in Myrtleford’s five-goal lead at quarter time to just a three-goal advantage by the half.

Rovers shot three quick goals in the third quarter to make it a one-goal game, but Myrtleford kept Wangaratta at bay, leading by four goals with one term to play.

Spectators’ hearts began to drop with five minutes left to pay, when the Rovers shooters gained the ascendancy, shooting six goals to Myrtleford’s one in the space of three minutes to see the Saints down 42-43 with mere minutes on the clock.

Myrtleford rallied, turning the ball well and sending it in to Claire McDonald who levelled the score, then put the Saints ahead with ice in her veins to secure the ticket to the grand final.

Saints 15 and under coach Olivia La Spina said she was exceptionally proud of the side’s efforts.

“We got on the front foot early in the game but could never really stretch it out past six goals,” she said.

“The intensity was next-level, and for 15-year-old girls it was great-quality netball which made it even better.

“You always know, going into a final, chances are it’s never going to be a blowout, it’s always going to be tight.

“We were up for the majority of the day but couldn’t stretch it out past four or five goals, which is not at all a comfortable margin.

“Our three shooters who all stepped out on court were phenomenal.

“It felt like they didn’t really miss a goal and seized every opportunity they had.

“It’s amazing these young girls can have those nerves of steel in those moments.”

Myrtleford will have two netball squads playing for the premiership this weekend, with the B grade squad up against Wodonga Bulldogs from 1.45pm.

The Saints will commence grand final day proceedings from 8.45am at Lavington Sports Ground this Sunday, taking on Wodonga Raiders for the 15 and under netball title.

“Wodonga Raiders are currently undefeated, they’ll definitely be tough opponents,” La Spina said.

“Our girls are just excited to be there, they’ll certainly give it their all.

“After winning on the weekend they’ve certainly got that belief if they a really defensive style of netball and try and get as many turnovers as possible, anything can happen.

“I can only imagine the sea of Myrtleford people who will come across to Lavington on the weekend, which is super exciting.”