High pressure for elimination games

The Ellinbank and District Football Netball League finals continued at Yarragon on Sunday, with six elimination finals and no second chances on offer.
From the opening 13s contest through to a one-goal A grade thriller, the day produced plenty of pressure, momentum swings and determined performances as teams fought to keep their 2026 seasons alive.
A grade: Buln Buln 47 def Poowong 46
The final match of the day delivered a thriller, with Buln Buln making the stronger start against Poowong in A grade.
The Lyrebirds led 12-7 at quarter-time before Poowong responded with an excellent second term, but Buln Buln remained composed to hold a six-goal advantage at half-time, extending that margin to eight by the final change.
Poowong threw everything at the contest in the last, producing a huge 16-goal quarter to close rapidly on Buln Buln. The Lyrebirds held their nerve in the frantic final minutes and survived by the narrowest of margins, 47-46 in a fantastic display of competitive and fierce netball.
Best on court: Buln Buln coach and centre Renee Cook.
B grade: Catani 49 def Nilma Darnum 32
Catani's defensive pressure set the tone early in B grade against Nilma Darnum, helping the Blues establish a 10-7 quarter-time lead. Catani took control in the second, linking well from end to end, and finishing accurately to open up a 27-16 advantage at half-time.
Nilma Darnum lifted their defensive intensity after the break and continued to compete strongly in warm conditions, but Catani kept creating turnovers and winning the ball back with fresh legs from the bench. The Blues completed a strong four-quarter performance to record a 17 goal win over the Bombers.
Best on court: Catani goal keeper Hannah Russell.
C grade: Neerim South 41 def Bunyip 32
Neerim South and Bunyip went goal-for-goal early in C grade before Neerim South capitalised on turnovers to establish a 14-8 quarter-time lead.
Bunyip came out determined in the second and continued to create opportunities, but South's movement into the ring and defensive pressure kept them six goals clear at half-time.
Bunyip remained competitive and produced some important intercepts through the second half, but the Cats continued to convert their opportunities and gradually extended the margin over the Dogs. Neerim finished with a nine-goal victory.
Best on court: Neerim South goal keeper Megan Preston.
17 and under: Poowong 30 defeated Neerim South 34
Neerim South started the 17s strongly against Poowong, using pressure to force turnovers and build a 9-4 quarter-time lead. Poowong responded in the second, briefly taking control before Neerim fought back to hold a narrow 16-15 advantage at half-time.
Poowong lifted again after the break and took a four-goal lead into the final change.
Neerim South continued to challenge, but Poowong showed composure and shooting accuracy when it mattered to secure a five goal win.
Best on court: Poowong wing attack come shooter Holly.
15 and under: Bunyip 30 def Neerim South 22
Bunyip made the stronger start in the 15s, leading Neerim South 6-4 at quarter-time. Neerim South's defensive pressure kept them in the contest, and they continued to work their way back, with the teams locked together at 17 apiece heading into the final quarter.
With the game there to be won, Bunyip produced their best quarter of the match. Strong attacking play and accurate finishing helped the Bulldogs break away late to record an eight goal win.
Best on court: Bunyip goal attack Meg Ockwell-Payne.
13 and under: Bunyip 28 def Catani 20
Bunyip and Catani opened the day in the 13s, with the contest starting evenly before Bunyip created a small break to lead 8-3 at quarter-time. Catani continued to apply pressure and both teams created turnovers, but Bunyip edged further ahead to take a 14-7 advantage into the main break.
Catani found some momentum in the third and reduced the margin, but Bunyip responded when challenged and made the most of their opportunities in the final term. The Bulldogs held on for an eight goal victory.
Best on court: Bunyip goal shooter Maddy Davidson