HDNL | Elmore brings Colbinabbin’s grand final streak to an end

By Bransen Gibson

Aug 28, 2022

Skirmish: Colbinabbin and Elmore battle it out in the Heathcote District Netball League preliminary final. Photo: Bransen Gibson

The match-up for the Heathcote District Netball League grand final is set, with the clash set to have a new look for the first time in seven years.

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For the first time since 2015, the HDNL grand final will not be contested between Colbinabbin and White Hills after Elmore claimed a resounding 27-goal win to knock the Hoppers out of the post-season.

Colbinabbin and White Hills had faced off in the last four grand finals and the Hoppers had featured in the big dance dating back to at least 2014, a run that included three consecutive flags from 2015-17.

But that streak came to an end on Saturday afternoon at White Hills Recreation Reserve, with Elmore proving to be too good as they claimed a 70-43 victory that earns them a rematch with White Hills this weekend.

The Bloods were the heavy favourites heading into the contest, but it was the Hoppers who had came out firing early.

Epic run: Colbinabbin’s streak of grand final appearances came to an end after they lost to Elmore 70-43 on Saturday. Photo: Bransen Gibson

An opening-term blitz saw them jump out to a six-goal lead early on in the contest, with the Hoppers in front 18-14 after the first term.

But Elmore bounced back in the second stanza, outscoring Colbo 19-6 in the term to hold an nine-goal advantage half-time.

Colbo held their own in the third term, but the Bloods pulled away in the final quarter, outscoring the Hoppers 21-6 as they punched their ticket through to the grand final.

Elmore will now meet White Hills in the grand final, a fitting end to a season that saw the Dees and Bloods finish first and second on the ladder.

The two sides had one win each from their two encounters during the home-and-away season, before White Hills claimed a five-goal win in the semi-final a fortnight ago.

Elmore will be trying to deny White Hills a third consecutive premiership when they meet in the grand final on Saturday, to be played at Huntly Recreation Reserve.