It was a poor showing against the Cougars in round four with the Storm mounting no fightback after being jumped in the first half and eventually losing by 17 goals.
But the result might have something to do with an early onset of the COVID-19-raid that bit down hard on the Storm in round five, impacting the club’s senior football and netball teams, and ultimately forcing a forfeit of the Storm’s A Grade team against Kalkee.
The Storm was significantly better than the mid-pack all year, comfortably defeating Swifts, Pimpinio and Natimuk United in consecutive games before losing to Harrow-Balmoral in round 10.
Given its losses to teams below them on the ladder, its untested record against Kalkee, its split record against Edenhope-Apsley, and its inability to get the better of Laharum, it is hard to know where the Storm sits among this year’s finals contenders. To finish the season only two wins away from the league’s primary challengers and the edge of the top four provides a strong base for Jeparit-Rainbow to compare themselves with in 2023.
But before next season comes around, the Storm has a chance to make a 2022 statement – in an elimination final against Noradjuha-Quantong on Sunday at Natimuk.
Heading into the game as underdogs, the Storm will rely on its leaders Georgia Batson and Penny Fisher, experienced players and 2022 coaches, to get the better of the Bombers’ attacking firepower.
Before the season got underway, club president Jason Huston said his senior netball and football sides had ‘promised a lot’ but had not yet delivered.
“We have been up there but have not gone to the next level yet,” he said.
This is the chance for the Storm to find that next level, even if they sit clear fifth in a long line of sides trying to make something of the league’s post-COVID-restriction return.
A basket of goals early from Maddison Mara or Fisher, or a strong first half from Bridget McKenzie in defence could be enough to spur the Storm deeper into its first finals series in nearly a decade.
Players to watch
Maddison Marra
Has made her mark on the A Grade competition this year with consistent performances in the goal ring, averaging 23 goals a game.
Penny Fisher
A crucial element of Storm’s defensive line-up, going into finals with her experience and eye for intercepts an asset to the team.
Jeparit-Rainbow’s road to the finals
Coaches: Penny Fisher and Georgia Batson
Round 1: W. 74 d Rupanyup 22. Home.
Round 2: W. 46 d Edenhope-Apsley 34. Away.
Round 3: L. 35 to Laharum 49. Away.
Round 4: L. 45 to Kaniva-Leeor United 62. Home.
Round 5: L. forfeited to Kalkee.
Round 6: W. 71 d Swifts 32. Home.
Round 7: W. 69 d Pimpinio 40. Home.
Round 8: W. 45 d Natimuk United 22. Away.
Round 9: W. d Taylors Lake (no game).
Round 10: L. 34 to Harrow-Balmoral 47. Away.
Round 11: W. 42 to Noradjuha-Quantong 41. Home.
Round 12: W. 82 d Rupanyup 21. Away.*
Round 13: L. 33 to Edenhope-Apsley 60. Home.**
Round 14: W. d Taylors Lake (no game).
Round 15: W. 55 d Pimpinio 39. Away.
Round 16: L. 39 to Laharum 58. Home.
* Highest score ** Lowest score
Total: Won: 10. Lost: 6. For: 691. Against: 567. Points: 40. Percentage: 121.87.
The entire August 17, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
