In an entree to a hotly contested finals series, Boisdale Briagolong and Stratford have played a thrilling final round match in East Gippsland netball at the Cabbage Patch.
The Bombers found themselves one goal in front when the final siren sounded, after four thrilling quarters, played at a frantic pace, not short on physicality.
The game was dominated by the defences, with plenty of turnovers in the 44-43 result.
Boisdale Briagolong’s victory saw Stratford drop to second on the ladder, maintaining their hold on second place from the Bombers by just under 15 per cent, after both finished on the same points.
Molly Huts, Natalie Allman and Hannah Pratt led the way for the Bombers, with Sierra Cook and Emmy Williams battling hard for the Swans.
Lucknow finished the season in style, setting up their 64-38 win over Lakes Entrance with a 18-11 first quarter, with Lakes reverting to playing catch-up and trying to stem the flow.
The Seagulls battled hard, but were no match for the premiership-contending Magpies, with big guns Hayley Escudero and Erica Lynch to the fore, and Anna Lisa Short again sharp in the goals.
Clodagh Newton, Chloe Watson and Poppy Carroll were among the best for Lakes Entrance.
Wy Yung grounded out a solid win, without overly impressing, 48-35 winners over Lindenow at the Cattery.
Kate Eigner, Romani Morath and Michaela Ward were the architects for the Tigers, with Ashleigh Foreham, Alana Websdale and Brooke Perrett all trying hard for the Cats, who have improved significantly as the season has progressed.
Reigning premier Orbost Snowy Rovers finished with a bang, banking their fifth win for the season, easily accounting for Paynesville, who registered one of their highest scores for the season in the 60-30 loss.
Injuries have tested the depth for the Blues, who obviously haven’t lived up to last year’s premiership form, but have still given a good account of themselves finishing the season in fifth place.
Hannah Macalister-Bills and Chelsea Di Cecco were standouts for Orbost, while Nyla Rabbitt, Paige Strickland and Hayley Davies gave good accounts of themselves for the Gulls.
In this week’s matches at the Bairnsdale City Oval, Lucknow and Stratford will do battle in the qualifying final on Saturday, with a grand final spot up for grabs.
While on Sunday in the elimination final, Wy Yung and Boisdale Briagolong will scrap, with only one set to move through to week two of the finals.
