ROMSEY was the place to be in 2011, winning team and individual awards in the Riddell League. However, Sunbury was a town of heartbreak, losing grand finals across different leagues in a year that will have many looking ahead to 2012. The
Weekly looks at the year's most memorable sporting moments
CRICKET
Sun bury United went back-to-back in the McIntyre Cup, successfully defending 348 against Riddell (147).
United's Nathan Morse made 80 from No.9 to turn 7-180 into a match-winning score, before James Hughes took 5-35 with the ball as Riddell lost its last six wickets for 29 runs.
BOWLS
It was an all-Kyneton affair on Central Highlands Bowls Association grand final day, as Kyneton Red won on its home green against Kyneton Golf by 36 shots.
Romsey edged out Woodend to win 97-94 in division two, while Trentham captured the division three premiership with a 75-55 win against Romsey.
RDFL FOOTY
Romsey won a thrilling grand final at Lancefield when it downed Sunbury Kangaroos 12.10 (82) to 11.14 (80). The Redbacks led for the entire match but had to cling on in the dying stages. Defender Blake Henderson won the Doug McIntyre Medal for his performance on grand final day, while teammate Shannon Green was the Bowen medallist as league best and fairest.
Macedon beat Sunbury Kangaroos to go back-to-back in the reserves, while Woodend Hesket beat the Kangaroos in the under-18 grand final.
RDNL NETBALL
Romsey went back-to-back in A grade but not before being taken to extra time by Macedon. The Redbacks trailed for much of the first four quarters, a 32-all tie, but were never headed in extra time of the 44-39 victory.
Romsey wing attack Karen Moss was outstanding for the winners, while Macedon's Hayley Mackie was given the best-on-court medal.
Melton Centrals' Bec Pereira and Wallan's Kirrily Gilchrist tied for the Janine Ryan league best and fairest medal.
Macedon won the B grade premiership. Melton Central won C grade.
BALLARAT FL
Sunbury Lions suffered an agonisingly close grand final defeat to Redan, 17.14 (114) to 17.10 (112).
The Lions were minor premiers, but had to go the long way to the decider after being beaten by Redan in the second semi-final.
Sunbury's Ben Jordan finished runner-up in the Henderson Medal to North City's Jason McNamara, while Darley's Olivia Aughton was run-away winner of the netball best and fairest.
BENDIGO FL
Gisborne bounced back from a disappointing 2010 with new coach and assistant combination Luke Saunders and Kevin Fitzgerald taking the Bulldogs to the preliminary final.
A six-point loss to Eaglehawk in the season's penultimate game may have saved the Bulldogs from a grand final slaughter, with untouchable ladder leader Golden Square winning the decider by 133 points. Kyneton went winless and took home the wooden spoon, but has announced club hero Nathan Thompson will join Derrick Filo in coaching the Tigers in 2012.
SOCCER
Sunbur y United had to settle for a mid-table finish in state league 3 north-west after a slow start to the season jangled the nerves with the threat of relegation.
Gisborne soccer club captured a premiership in the club's first season of seniors, triumphing in the Sunday leagues.
VAFA
Ruper tswood missed finals in Premier C and farewelled 2009 premiership coach Gavin Kerr with a fifth-placed finish.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Sunbury United Tigers returned to the top of the mountain in Victorian Rugby League first grade, winning a thrilling grand final against North West Wolves. The 32-26 win reinforced the Tigers' standing as one of the top Rugby League teams in the state.
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