By Tara Murray
The incredible finals run of Rockbank in the Riddell District Netball League will continue for at least another week.
The Rams have exceeded everyone’s expectations this season – including their own – and have caused two upsets in as many weeks to win through to a preliminary final.
Having upset Wallan in an elimination final, the Rams took plenty of confidence into their semi-final against Rupertswood on Sunday.
They kept in touch with the Sharks all day and led heading into the final quarter.
The two teams traded the lead in the final quarter, and scores were level when there was a contact call late.
Rebecca Hicks took the shot as the siren sounded to give the Rams the win, 46-45.
Rams co-captain Mary Brodie said they were shocked by the result.
“No one expected that at all,” she said.
“After beating Wallan, anything could happen the following the week.
“It’s just brilliant for the club.”
Brodie said the two sides were neck and neck all day, with the lead changing several times.
Brodie said Hicks wasn’t even aware that her last shot would be the match-winning one.
“It was right on the buzzer,” she said.
“There was a contact call and the siren went and Rianne [Vining] gave Becca the shot.
“She [Hicks] didn’t hear the siren.”
Hicks shot 41 goals from 49 attempts to be the best shooter on the court.
The win came with the Rams having just two players on the bench, including Isabelle Maguire who has come up from B-grade.
Brodie said injuries and player availability had left them with few players on the bench.
They will lose Kari Love for this week’s match due to a holiday.
Brodie said everyone at the club was estactic with the result and how far they had come.
“No one knew what would happen over the last two weeks. There was lot of cheers and everyone is over the moon.”
The Rams this week face Romsey. The Redbacks lost their semi-final against Macedon by one goal in extra time.
