STRONG: Stacey Emms looks for options yesterday. PHOTOS: Marc Bongers

Early fight shown but minor premier wins

Written by By JEREMY WILSON.

DESPITE a brilliant finals series, the Wangaratta Rovers B grade fell at the final hurdle yesterday, going down to minor premier Albury by 11 goals at Lavington Oval.

In what had been a dream run to the grand final, the young Hawks put up a brave fight early but a physically bigger Albury unit took complete control of the game after halftime.

Coach Michelle Caruso predicted the Tigers would again try to intimidate the young Hawks but the Wangaratta team was on song early.

Close calls went their way, the ball bounced favorably and shooters Zali Yelland and Carly Van Den Huevel were getting the job done in the circle.

At one stage the Hawks were out to a 5-1 lead, however, the Tigers quietly ate away at the margin once the pace of the game had settled.

But still the Hawks weren’t giving the minor premier an easy time and grabbed a three-goal lead at the first change.

Delighted with her side’s start, Caruso asked for more of the same in the second quarter and experienced defender Katie Higgs led by example with some crucial turnovers.

While Albury had a lot of support at the court, the size of the Hawks contingent was massive and the side was using that to their advantage.

The Hawks continued to charge on despite things going against them and by the halftime break they remained three goals ahead.

But the level in which Albury lifted their game to in the third quarter was evident early on.

By the time two minutes had passed they had scored three goals and were charging forward again.

The Hawks tried hard to stand up but they had lost the momentum and the Tigers were on the charge.

Higgs tried valiantly but the goals continued to flow for the Albury side and in the space of 10 minutes they had turned a three-goal deficit into a seven-goal lead.

Caruso remained positive at the final break but the game appeared lost for the Hawks as the Tigers maintained their focus and intensity at the ball.

The shots weren’t dropping for the Hawks and in the end the Tigers were just that little bit more classy – not that the Wangaratta team hadn’t put up a gallant effort.