Lucknow quite literally stormed into the “A” grade East Gippsland netball grand final with a destructive take down of perennial contender Wy Yung.
The Magpies surged to a dominant 17-goal win, effectively placing one hand on the premiership cup as they await the winner of the Wy Yung v Orbost Snowy prelim final.
Lucknow set the tone from the outset with swift ball movement and accurate shooting, however the Tigers didn’t help their own cause, a loose opening centre pass going out of court, summing up their difficult start.
The Lucknow defenders, including runner-up league best and fairest Hayley Morton, were rarely required in the opening eight minutes as the Magpies, led by sisters Allison and Sarah Redenbach and coach Erica Lynch in the
mid court, created numerous turnovers and scoring opportunities for Emma Sanford and Macy Tatnell, the Lucknow shooting duo proving deadly accurate from the start with Wy Yung league best and fairest Caitlyn Wright and fellow defender Sammy Churches having little to no answer.
The hot start was all that was required for Lucknow to gain an advantage they wouldn’t let up, powering to a 42-25 win.
Boisdale Briagolong flew into the “B” grade decider with a 22-goal thumping of Wy Yung. Similar to the “A” grade game, the Bombers made a flying start and were never troubled.
Lucknow compounded Wy Yung’s semi final woes by winning through to the “C” grade grand final by three goals, however the Tigers did taste success in “D” grade, outpointing the Bombers by two goals.
Lakes Entrance, after a slow start, worked its way past Boisdale Briagolong by 12 goals to advance to the under 17 grand final, meanwhile Lindenow was too strong for the Magpies in the under 15s winning by nine goals.
FINAL SCORES
“A” grade: Lucknow 42 d Wy Yung 25.
“B” grade: Bois Briag 49 d Wy Yung 27.
“C” grade: Lucknow 30 d Wy Yung 27.
“D” grade: Wy Yung 31 d Bois Briag 29.
17 and under: Lakes Entrance 38 d Bois Briag 26.
15 and under: Lindenow 40 d Lucknow 31.