Unfortunately the Yarras weren’t successful on Saturday, with just our Thirds enjoying a win.

It was the final match in the 2017 season for our Netball A Reserve, B and B Reserve grades. Thank you to all the players this year.

The B Reserves played their best game of the season in the final round. The ball flowed from the centre third into the goalers hands like one of our training drills. The Yarras tried hard for the whole game, applying pressure the entire length of the court. Roslyn was once again a stand out, creating intercepts and turnovers in the middle of the court and working it smoothly and safely into the ring. For someone who had not played netball since high school, she really became a key feature of B Reserve’s mid court this season. Unfortunately we were outpaced by Hallam, with their shooters having an easier time in the circle than ours. A hard fought season against some tough competition, everyone should be proud of their individual improvement and improvement as a team. Until next year! Final scores; Hallam 37 vs South Yarra 19.

In our final game for 2017, B grade took on Heatherton. This week we welcomed Jessie and Kate to the team for the first time and they were very welcomed additions with Jessie creating loads of turnover ball down the defensive end and Kate being our main goal scorer. Once again the wind this week played havoc with moving the ball around the court, particularly in the circle. The scores were pretty close at quarter breaks and the Yarras made a mini comeback in the final quarter when Mersina had a good run in goals. Kate was named best on court for her consistency in goals and also winning back ball in the attacking end. Unfortunately in the end the Yarras went down by 3 goals. A huge thank you to everyone who has played in B grade this season.

A Reserve took on a fierce and skilful Heatherton outfit on Saturday. In wild and windy conditions the team struggled to keep up with the pace and accuracy of the Heatherton team. Kate backed up for her second game in a row and did a great job in defence along with Bron, Harriet and Gemma. There were also some great passages of play through the attacking end with Gem, Ness, Carrie and Steph finishing the year well. Harriet played a huge game at GD frustrating her opponents, plucking great rebounds and intercepting a lot of ball. This effort earned her a well-deserved best on court! A Huge thank you to all those who have donned the red A Reserve bib this season. Final result; South Yarra 17 were defeated by Heatherton White 40.

Going into Division 2, up from last year’s triumphant Division 4 premiership, the A Grade side knew 2017 was going to be a tough year. Defying expectations, South Yarra once again have an A Grade side in the finals series, having made their mark on a challenging competition. This week’s final home and away match was against St Kilda for the third time, with previous a loss and win under our belts. The game was evenly matched, with the Yarras having an upper hand in skills and St Kilda with headspace. In the end it was mental strength that secured the win, leaving the girls knowing exactly where improvement is needed for finals. Strong words from the coach at the end of the game has lit a fire in the belly to take home a win against Caulfield on Saturday! Best on court went to Sarah Hogan. St Kilda 20 defeated South Yarra 17

The Thirds took on Cheltenham at home in a game that had massive importance in determining which side would get into the top 4 and receive a double chance in the looming finals series. Starting against the wind, the Yarras went a few goals down early, but reorganised themselves to be within a goal at three quarter time. With the breeze at their back in the final quarter the Yarras stormed home to win by 11 points. Everyone contributed in what was a stern test in very difficult, blustery conditions. The return of the likes of Tim Wise, Kim Bratzel and James Evans are encouraging signs for this Yarras outfit who should very much fancy themselves as contenders for the flag leading into the last few rounds of the home and away season.

The Reserves played Ashwood in an important match for both sides as third position on the ladder was on the line. The match started well for the Yarras, having the majority of the ball and scoring a goal within two minutes from the first bounce. However, the second quarter was an absolute nightmare, with the Magpies kicking four goals whilst leaving the Yarras goalless. It was to be the difference for the game, as the Yarras couldn’t crawl back. Belfrage-Mahar was a standout for the Yarras, including crumbing his own ruck contest and then scoring a goal. Old flexible man, Pirate was superb down back, taking one handed marks and rebounding for the Yarras. Mario was the Yarras major goal kicker with two goals.

The Seniors took on Ashwood in what was a crunch game for the make up of the top 5. Conditions on top of the hill were windy and South Yarra had the breeze in the first quarter and took a 2 point lead in to the first break. Ashwood made the most of the conditions in the second kicking 4 goals to the Yarras 2 points. Maher was solid off half back kicking 2 long goals for the day, Eamon and the midfield brigade also tried all day. Unfortunately Ashwood look to be a side that should feature in September where SY still have work to do. Failure to take advantage of the wind when we had it cost us and in the end went down by 8 goals.

We wish the Netball A Grade team the best of luck in their elimination final against Caulfield this weekend.

Our past players day is on 12th August followed by ‘Around the World’ hosted by Jack Volpetti starting from 7:30pm at the Den!

Special thank you to all of our sponsors including Brady Tiling, Hawthorn Hotel, Kingston Trophies, Rounds Real Estate, Simply Health, Q Dental, Hunter Industrials, Eleven Ten Advisory, Melbourne Periodantal, Safety-Wear, Avon Tyrepower, Yo Get It, Signs Here, Rainbow Meats, Helloworld, Flight Centre, Inner Eastern Physio, Coltivare Fruit Supply, McKenzie Allen Lawyers, Bendigo Bank (Surrey Hills/ Canterbury/ Ashburton/ Balwyn), The Swan Street Auctions, Merchant Electrical, Juventino Café Restaurant, RPJ Internet Solutions and all 250 Club, past player members, partners and all Player sponsors.