GRAND FINALBLOCKBUSTER: VIPERS FINALLY TAKE THE TITLE!

What a day! The Division 1 Grand Final was absolutely everything we hoped it would be and more. For two decades, Orange City has been the undisputed powerhouse of Orange Netball. But on Saturday, it was a new day, and the Vipers, who have long been the also-rans, finally got to wear the winner's crown!

In a game that gave some avowed young fans “goosebumps”, it was a Grand Final filled with passion, grit, and a mix of experienced and young guns on both sides. And from the very first whistle, Vipers came out ready to play.

The Early Knock-Out

Vipers began with a level of composure that was a class above. The combination between Goal Attack Charli Greatbatch and Centre Sophie Fardell was absolutely lethal, with quick, crisp passes and  a fantastic understanding of the backspace in the shooting circle. At the other end, Suz Simpson and Kate Mastronardi were energetic and relentless, suffocating City's attack. City looked uncharacteristically out of sorts and disorganised, and Vipers capitalised, skipping out to a huge 17-8 lead in the first quarter. Ultimately, that lead was to mark the difference.

City's Comeback

To their credit, City didn't lie down. The second quarter saw a much more even contest, with City starting to work their way back into the game. Physical play and body clashes became the order of the day on both sides as the match got tougher. City's defence, with Caitie Harvey and Katie Matthews, started making life seriously hard for the Vipers’ shooters. But by halftime, City still had a mountain to climb, trailing28-18.

In the first half, Vipers looked alert to every pass, a stark contrast to a flustered City, which seemed to be chasing the game, rather than anticipating it. However, the third quarter signalled a shift. City started to find their rhythm, and with its supporters in full voice, mounted an incredible comeback.

City's attack, led by a resolute Tegan Dray and a blistering shooting performance from Caitlin Henning, began to close the gap. For their part, with the pressure mounting, Vipers were making unforced errors. Suddenly, the early10-goal lead was down to just three heading into the final quarter. The momentum was all City's.

The Final Push

The final quarter was an absolute blockbuster. Both teams were giving it everything. Vipers were not going to be denied this year, however, and were able to re-group and rise to the occasion. MVP Charli Greatbatch stood up when it mattered most, again combining with Fardell, who brought out her impressive best to command the game. Vipers’ improved whole-court defence, especially from their mid-courters, was a key factor throughout the contest, as were Kate Mastronardi and Suz Simpson in defence.

In the end, Vipers clung on for a historic 47-43 victory. The game was intense, physical, and played with immense heart and spirit from both sides–a great example to aspiring young netballers in the Toot Keegan Stand. The expressions on the Vipers’ faces at the final whistle were a mixture of elation and sheer relief. It would take an ungenerous spirit indeed to question the bragging rights of a team that has worked so long and hard for this moment.

It looks as if that trophy will be sitting on Soph’s desk after all!

Special thanks to Tash Rudd for her excellent photography

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The Grand Final MVP: A Family Legacy

In a Grand Final defined by a thrilling finish and relentless pressure, Vipers' Charli Greatbatch was announced as the Division 1 Grand Final's Most Valuable Player.

The moment was made even more special by a touching family connection. The MVP award is named after Norma Corse, one of the two people who founded the Orange Netball Association back in 1942. In an emotional, unplanned moment, the award was presented to Charli by her mother, Tracey Greatbatch, Norma’s granddaughter.

This meant Charli received the award named after her great-grandmother from her own mother—a powerful connection between four generations of netball in Orange. Charli's stellar performance—dominant in attack and accurate in her shooting—honoured her family's legacy.

Congratulations, Charli, on an outstanding performance and a well-deserved MVP award that truly adds another chapter to the family netball history.