Sport
5 September, 2025
Both Thunder teams progress
Southern Mallee Thunder's under 13s faced Minyip Murtoa in the elimination final .
The girls travelled to Nhill for their elimination final against the Burras, with plenty of anticipation in the air.
Having drawn and won by just one goal in their previous encounters, this match was always going to be a thriller.
The team entered the court with confidence, reminded by coaches Jayne and Bridget to back themselves and, above all, enjoy their first taste of finals.
Minyip Murtoa came out firing in the opening quarter, capitalising on the Thunder girls’ early errors and playing with composure.
But after a sluggish start, the Thunder found their rhythm, finishing with a late surge of goals to keep themselves in the contest.
At the first break, Minyip Murtoa held a 10-4 lead.
Some timely positional changes and constructive feedback at quarter-time sparked a turnaround, and from then on it was a different game.
The Thunder were determined to fight back.
Pippa S and Sophie commanded the midcourt, pulling in strong intercepts and delivering sharp, confident passes into the ring.
Pippa S in particular came out to play, hunting down every loose ball and disrupting the Burras' flow.
In attack, Felicity and Emily combined beautifully, with strong leads, clever splits and composed finishing under the post.
Felicity’s leadership and calm presence set the tone for the team under the ring.
In defence, Elka, Pippa F and Mia were relentless, applying immense pressure on Minyip Murtoa’s attack and forcing repeated turnovers.
Elka was especially influential in wing defence, effectively shutting down her opponent.
Emma and Amelia also provided valuable support in defence, making an impact whenever they hit the court.
It was a true team performance, with every player lifting and playing their part.
Chasing down Minyip Murtoa’s early lead, the girls stormed home to claim an epic finals victory, spurred on by the thunderous support from the Thunder crowd.
So proud, girls.
The Thunder army is right behind you as you head to Ararat next weekend to take on the Saints.
Final score: SMT Thunder 26 defeated Minyip Murtoa 21
Awards: KM Hair – Pippa Shannon; Horsham Lanes and Games – Felicity Keller; towel – Elka Huf; coaches' award – Emily Watson.
A grade
Southern Mallee Thunder have pulled off a remarkable comeback to keep their premiership dreams alive, defeating the Ararat Rats 62-55 in a thrilling A grade elimination final that went into overtime on Sunday.
The Thunder held a five goal lead (29-24) at the half-time break but strong defence from the Ararat Rats throughout the third quarter and sharp shooting from Ararat Rats goal attack Maggie Astbury saw the Ararat snatch the lead (36-39) heading into the final term.
The Rats built on their momentum early in the final term, extending the lead out to six goals by the halfway mark of the final term.
With just five minutes left in regular time, Thunder trailed and looked all but done.
But a spirited surge, led by a relentless Codie Robins in wing attack and the sharp shooting of Steph Thomson, saw them claw their way back into contention.
Composure under pressure from Thomson alongside goal shooter Emma Mill was crucial, nailing a string of clutch goals to level the scores right on the final siren.
Momentum firmly in their corner, Thunder carried their intensity into extra time, overwhelming the Ararat Rats with clinical ball movement and suffocating defence.
Abby White stood tall in goal defence, shutting down Ararat’s attacking options and forcing crucial turnovers that allowed Thunder to surge ahead.
By the end of overtime, Southern Mallee Thunder had completed a stunning six-goal turnaround and powered away to a seven-goal victory – a testament to their belief, fitness, and composure under pressure.
Thunder now progress to the first semi-final on Sunday, where they will meet the Dimboola Roos.
Final score: SM Thunder 62 defeated Ararat 55
Awards: Codie Sanford, Steph Thomson, Abby White
