Bears stalwart Jacinta Todd enjoyed a memorable milestone match as her teammates held on in a nail-biting 56-55 win over Kyabram.
Despite the frenzied nature of the contest at Deakin Reserve, both sides oozed composure in the ring and shot the lights out which made for an enthralling game.
Shepparton’s Caitlin Hill starred in goals and was a strong presence on the court, while experienced defender Ash Cann stood tall late in the match.
Shepparton coach Tracey Brereton said it was fantastic to celebrate Todd’s 150th appearance with a win, in what was also a crucial game in the context of the season for the Bears.
“It was awesome to get over the line, considering it was also Toddy’s 150th match. The girls stepped up and I couldn’t be prouder,” the Bears’ mentor said.
“We knew the game was going to be tight, Kyabram have been so close in all of its matches so far.
“We knew that we had to win this game. It’s important for us to be able to separate ourselves from the bottom six teams and keep in striking distance of the top six and to do that you have to win these games.
“You never want to put more pressure on them (playing group), but it was a crucial game in the context of our season and it’s great to get the win.”
The match began in sizzling fashion as both sides showcased dead-eye accuracy in the ring.
It was the hosts who entered the first break with a 16-15 advantage.
Brereton’s charges were able to level the contest at the main break at 26 apiece.
Goaler Ella Sidebottom came alive in the second half and was “accurate and composed” in goals.
Sidebottom and Hill worked well together and the Bears held a slim two-goal buffer at the last break.
The Bombers rallied late to win the final quarter 15-14, but came up short at the last hurdle.
Midcourter Liv Hall was best-on for Kyabram, while her sister Jemma contributed strongly in the loss.
“The goalers for both sides were very accurate and it was pretty much centre-pass and then goal for much of the game,” Brereton said.
“It would have been a very good game to watch, it was close the whole way through.”
Brereton highlighted the fact the Bears were able to tough it out and celebrate Todd’s milestone match.
The two share a tight friendship and Brereton praised the 2014 Wellman Family medallist’s 150-game strong playing career in the GVL.
“Jacinta has had not only a fantastic playing career, including a Wellman Medal, interleague matches and best-and-fairests, but also a terrific coaching career as well,” she said.
“We played at state level together and that’s how she got to the club 10 years ago and she’s remained here ever since. You always map out to recruit good people to your club and that’s exactly the type of person Jacinta is.
“She’s done so many great things at the Bears and has given so much back to the club.”
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