Lakes Entrance scored a come-from-behind victory in “B” grade to advance to the grand final against the unbeaten Boisdale Briagolong.
Wy Yung was out of the blocks early, establishing a four-goal advantage by quarter time, but the Seagulls coaching panel was happy with their side’s effort late in the quarter, the confidence coming out after the break.
Lakes made several positional changes at quarter time, Brittney Seccull’s movement into the centre paying immediate rewards as the Seagulls upped the tempo, winning the quarter by a goal and drawing within three goals at half time.
Molly Stevens was proving a stumbling block for the Tigers. She would finish the game with 32 goals.
With Indi Kellow leading the way in the third term, combining well with Ash Wheeler and Pru Wyndham-Martin, the Tigers regained their advantage, leaders by five goals at three quarter time.
Lakes was hoping if it could convert every chance the defensive play created they could still win and that’s exactly what happened, dominating the last term getting up to win by a goal 37-36, in a near perfect final term.
It was another close encounter in “C” grade with Wy Yung winning by a goal, 28-27, over a gallant Stratford.
Nothing separated the sides throughout the match, the Tigers holding on to their solitary goal three quarter time advantage in a torrid final term.
Caitlin Woodward, Jasmin McAuliffe, Kirby Banks and Susan Hill were all among the best for the Tigers, with Gracie Richardson, Lauren Wilson, Kym and Payton Albrecht all prominent for the Swans.
Boisdale Briagolong was much too good for Lakes Entrance in “D” grade winning by 15 goals after a dominant second term.
The Bombers got plenty of game time into their list as they prepare to tackle Wy Yung, who defeated them in the qualifying final after they were unbeaten in the home and away season.
Wy Yung continued its outstanding finals form, easily accounting for Boisdale Briagolong 31-20 in the under 17s.
The Tigers only finished fourth on the later, but have taken all before them in recent weeks, deserving of the opportunity to tackle Lakes Entrance who have only been beaten once for the season.
Wy Yung was more consistent over the four quarters while the Bombers only really hit their straps in the third quarter off the back of some great shooting from Demi Scriven.
A determined Paynesville held off Lucknow in the under 15s to win by two goals, 27-25.
It’s a been a lean year for the Gulls in both football and netball, but with the whole club behind them the netballing youngsters have played to their full potential in recent weeks, creating a good vibe around the club.
The Gulls were five goals in front at half time before an inspired effort from the Magpies in the third term saw them snatch the lead by a goal with a quarter to play.
Not deterred Paynesville stuck to its game plan, regaining the lead and holding off a spirited late challenge, much to the delight of their faithful supporters.
FINAL SCORES
“B” grade: Lakes Entrance 37 d Wy Yung 36.
“C” grade: Wy Yung 28 d Stratford 27.
“D” grade: Bois Briag 38 d Lakes Entrance 23.
17 and under: Wy Yung 31 d Bois Briag 20.
15 and under: Paynesville 27 d Lucknow 25.
