HAMILTON Kangaroos’ 15-and-Under netball team fell short in its chase for premiership success against South Warrnambool, going down by two goals in the Hampden Football Netball League grand final at Reid Oval on Saturday.

Heading into the final quarter, the Roos were seven goals behind on the scoreboard, but returned to the court determined to hunt down the Roosters and handed the opposition a huge scare, before time ran out, losing 24-26.

It was a tough result, but Kangaroos coach, Karen Spong, was still happy with their performance.

“I’m so proud of the whole squad for their efforts not only in the grand final but the entire season,” she said.

“We played great netball all season long, but we had a slow start on Saturday for some reason despite having prepared well for the game.”

Having handed South Warrnambool a 10-goal defeat in the second semi-final to advance to the grand final and earn a week’s rest, the Kangaroos were faced with an opposition that were determined to reverse that scoreline and soon found themselves behind on the scoreboard and on the court.

The Roos created turnover ball but failed to take advantage of the opportunities presented, while the roosters were steady in their game plan throughout.

The slow start hurt the Roos, as South Warrnambool never lost the lead across the game and the Roosters posted eight goals to five in the first term.

When the whistle sounded for the end of the first half, the Roos’ deficit had extended to seven goals, 9-16, and stayed at that margin through the third term, as each team posted five goals.

Knowing that the game depended on a strong final term, the Kangaroos returned to the court with plenty of run in their legs and the tide turned, as the Roos posted 10 goals for the term while South managed only five.

It wasn’t to be for Hamilton, as the clock wound down and time ran out with the margin having been cut to only two goals.

“We prepared for the game as best we could with many of the senior players within the club coming to training over the course of the two weeks and providing as close to ‘match play conditions’ as possible,” Spong said.

“Whether it was nerves or what, I’m don’t know, but it was the biggest crowd the girls had played in front of, and we just were that little bit off the pace to begin with.

“We had great support from the club, as there were huge numbers cheering us on.

“Before the game I told the players that these games are what you play the sport for, and that it makes you feel alive and to hang onto that feeling as it doesn’t happen all the time.

“I was happy with our combinations in the game and the players followed instructions, but we just failed to grab the opportunities when they presented.

We played our best netball in the final quarter and ran out of time with all the momentum going our way.

“Holly Rhook was our best player on court, but Ruby Spong, Maddox Ryan, and Mia Spong gave her great support as did the rest of the side too.”

With five players being bottom aged, the Kangaroos has a core group ready to tackle this age group again next winter with Spong indicating she would apply for the role again next season.

“Having only had 12 months in the coaches role I would like to take the group again next season to continue the development of the players with many of the team also playing senior netball each week too, but that is up to the club to decide,” Spong said.