The Rivalry, The Rematch, The Grand Final

Almost here. Grand Final Day. For Orange Netball Association's Division 1, it all comes down to a highly anticipated rematch: Orange City versus Vipers1. For some inside goss, I sat down with Tegan Dray and Sophie Fardell, who are also colleagues at Orange High School, a relationship built on healthy respect and a(mainly)playful rivalry that extends from the staffroom to the court.

A Grand Final Tradition

This is the grand final match up Orange Netball tragics eagerly await. Tegs loves the build-up, calling it "the culmination" of the season. Soph agrees it's a “good spectacle” and an opportunity, especially for the younger players.

The teams’ on-court history is well-documented, with their last few games ending in one-or two-goal differences. When asked if that adds pressure, their banter was on full display. SOPH: “Yeah, for sure!”

TEGS: “No! No, it could be 75 minutes. See, that’s what we train for, Soph, not 60.”

Key Matchups and Final Predictions

Both teams have a great mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming talent. Tegs spoke about the importance of experienced players mentoring the younger ones, like Emma Tremble. Soph praised the younger players for their impressive performances, highlighting Charli Greatbatch as one to watch. While Tegs sees tough matchups everywhere across the court, both players agree the game will be won in their respective circles. Soph predicts a “cool contest” in the shooting circles. With lots of height and elevation on both sides, she’s relishing seeing“ Zinga and Abby and Kate Mastronardi going head-to-head...and at the other end, Katie Matthews, Caitie Harvey, Charlie and Ellie”. But of course, the rivalry extends to the mid-court, where the Soph and Tegs themselves are renowned for their physical and tactical duels.

More Than Just a Game

While the competition is fierce, the respect between the two goes much deeper. They both agreed that they often find themselves debriefing after a game.

SOPH: “I think we both respect each other’s skill set, but also we respect each other as colleagues...it's also nice, I think we've got to a point in our netball careers where we actually like to debrief with each other too. ”

For Orange City, the goal is to continue a legacy of success. Tegs is clear that every game is important and that winning another title would be a testament to the team's hard work.

For Vipers, a win would be particularly special. They’ve been in almost every grand final since the club’s inception, but have yet to claim the Division 1 title. Soph believes they have the team to get the job done this year.

Each has her own (predictable) prediction, with Tegs tipping Orange City by four goals and Sopha two-goal victory for Vipers. One thing they both agree on: it's going to be tight!

Don't miss a minute of the action! The Orange Netball Association Division 1 Grand Final kicks off this Saturday at 3:45 p.m. on Court A.

Postscript: And from outside the tent? This game is anyone’s. In my view, the winner will have mastered two things: relentless pressure in defence and composed possession in attack.

So, my prediction? Yeah, nah...above my pay grade!