By Russell Bennett
WEST GIPPSLAND FOOTBALL NETBALL COMPETITION
REVIEW – ROUND 17
Nar Nar Goon’s A Grade finals dream for 2018 had long been extinguished prior to Saturday, but that mattered little when the proud side from Spencer Street faced up to its great rival from Denhams Road.
Georgia Keysers and her girls knew they’d be on the outside looking in come September, but they’d never let the chance to topple the Demons slip without a fight.
By the same token, the injury-hit yet finals-bound Demons knew exactly what sort of battle they’d be facing when they stepped out on to the court on Saturday.
The reality is that, with a clash against the hapless Kilcunda Bass to close out their home and away season in Round 18 this week, the Demons were well served by Saturday’s battle – a two-goal win over the Goon, 45-43.
The Demons took the lead early and had a four-goal advantage at quarter-time, 14-10, but by the half the girls from the Goon had turned the momentum around to lead by six.
They clung to a slim, two-goal lead with a quarter left to play but couldn’t hold on in the last, with the Demons ultimately emerging victorious.
With the result, the Demons currently sit third on the ladder – a game clear of Korumburra-Bena and Inverloch Kongwak.
In all likelihood, that’s where they’ll stay – with the Giants and Sea Eagles set to go head-to-head in the elimination final in week one of the business end of the season.
The Demons will be undaunted by what awaits them in the finals – their coach said as much in The Barracker last month, adding: “We know the girls – when immersing themselves in the game as the great team they are – can compete confidently against any opposition.”
Their defensive intensity and focus right from the opening whistle remains key.
In the other results across the competition in Round 17, Inverloch Kongwak stormed to an 81-23 win at home over the Panthers; Phillip Island ultimately proved too strong for Cora Lynn, winning 62-32; and Bunyip and Garfield were no match for Dalyston and Korumburra-Bena respectively – losing 63-38 and 77-24 to the reigning A Grade grand finalists.
This week, the Sea Eagles head to Cowes to battle it out with the Island; the Panthers host the Demons at Bass; the Magpies head to Spencer Street to take on the Goon; Bunyip hosts Korumburra-Bena; and Garfield plays host to Cora Lynn.
