By David Nagel
Inverloch-Kongwak has rubber-stamped its credentials as the team to beat for this year’s WGFNC A Grade netball crown after overcoming a brave effort from Tooradin-Dalmore in Saturday’s second semi-final at Nar Nar Goon.
The Sea Eagles – undefeated after 18 rounds – had one more box to tick to confirm their favouritism…that was to defeat a full-strength Seagulls side after taking advantage of two understrength outfits earlier in the year.
The Sea Eagles eventually prevailed, 53-42, advancing to grand final day where they will defend their crown.
But it came after a tense and exciting first-quarter battle.
The netball was clean and crisp from both sides in the opening stages, with goalers from the top-two teams enjoying some great looks early.
Amy Scott (GA) was the focal point of the Sea Eagles attacking moves, while Alex Maher (GS) took care of business for the Gulls…who had things squared away at 13-all at the first break.
Inverloch ramped up its intensity in the second quarter, capitalising on its gained ball to race away to a 31-23 advantage at half time.
The elite midcourt of Kelsey Buxton (C), Lanni Pryor (WA) and Millie Sadler (WD) started to dictate terms, while Scott continued her crisp shooting under the ring.
Linsey Boddy (GK) and 100-gamer Renee Pilkington (GD) were typically strong in defence, getting hands in to make life difficult for Maher and Kelly Haynes (GA).
The reigning champs extended their lead in the third, with Ella Sadler (GA) adding some razzle-dazzle to the Eagles forward moves.
Tooradin did well to win the final term, but the main damage had been done.
The Gulls looked a much-stronger outfit this time around, with Ebony Dolan (GK) adding great strength in defence, and they will go in confident against Nar Nar Goon this week.
The Goon looked hungry and intense in Sunday’s first semi-final win over Dalyston, keeping its premiership hopes alive with a 46-38 triumph at Bass.
Coach Meg Evans had her team fired up for the big occasion, with the Goon girls chasing the intercept with real intent.
They led 13-10 at quarter time, but stoked things up even further with a bone-crunching second stanza.
Both teams threw themselves at the contest, with the efforts of Dalyston coach Alana McRae (C) seeing her hit the deck on more than one occasion.
It was very fair netball…but both teams could sense the moment.
Via the efforts of players like Olivia Hamilton (C), Meaghan Winter (WA) and sharp-shooter Kyra Esler (GS), the Goon kicked out to an eight-goal lead at half time to establish its grip on the match.
Dalyston came hard, as expected, but the Goon defence of Zoe Parker (GK), Hannah Carney (GD) and Chantelle Dale (WD) held firm to guide their team into a preliminary final against the Gulls.
Tooradin won the only contest between the teams this year…54-41.
