LEETON-WHITTON'S youngest netball side may have gone down in their grand final over the weekend, but the experience is one they will carry into future years.
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The Crows had won through to the premiership decider where they took on a talented Barellan outfit, but were defeated 25-13.
Leeton-Whitton entered the game as underdogs against their undefeated opponents, but took the fight right up to their highly-fancied opponents in the first half of the game.
They reduced Barellan's four-goal quarter time lead to just one goal moments before half time.
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Mayah Dowling and Bree Gillespie provided a dangerous combination in the attacking half of the court, while Abigail Blacker and Julia Ciurleo, who was named best on court for the Crows, proved difficult to break down in defence.
The third quarter proved decisive for the Barellan side as they outscored the Crows 8-1 for the term to take control of the match.
In the last quarter of the match, the Crows never game up.
The team rallied, led by Josie Irvin at goal attack, to give one final push.
However, the margin proved too much, with Barellan running our deserved winners by 12 goals.
Leeton-Whitton mentor Libby Gillespie was upbeat following the defeat.
"The team has done a fantastic job to get this far," she said.
"We have a number of young players who were enjoying their first season of competitive netball and they really have come a long way this season.
"I am very proud of all the girls."
The grand final appearance in the under 11s continued a great run for the club in the age group, following an undefeated premiership in 2018 and the minor premiership in 2019.
The side was cheered on during their match by fans who were able to attend the Narrandera Indoor Stadium, as well as many others at home who watched on via the live stream.
Final scores
Barellan 25 d Leeton-Whitton 13 (Bree Gillespie 8/12, Josie Irvin 4/6, Imogen Lang 1/2).
