By Nick Creely
SOUTH EAST FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE
REVIEW – FINALS WEEK 2
Tooradin-Dalmore have powered their way through to another A Grade grand final after overcoming Beaconsfield in a riveting contest at Holm Park on Saturday.
The game was always going to go down to the wire, with both sides playing some electric netball this season and have only recently had each other’s measure.
In the 44-40 second semi-final, the Seagulls outlasted an Eagles outfit who were never going to give in, but lead at every change to earn themselves a week off.
It was a tight affair early, and both sides were struggling to gain ascendency, but through Alex Maher – who scored seven goals in the first term – the Seagulls pinched a 7-6 quarter time lead.
More dominance from Maher and some great support from the likes of Alex Duff, Jessica Cox and strong defensive displays by Ebony Dolan, Jess Maher and Rebecca Kinna saw the margin extend to five goals at half time, but the Eagles kept themselves in the contest.
While the Eagles always threatened to take hold, ultimately the Seagulls had just enough class and experience to hold off the likes of Bianca Sanzaro, Kaela Hugghes and Abbie Sheers, who played strong games in losing cause.
On Sunday at Pakenham, Cranbourne ended Narre Warren’s season in shock circumstances, coming back to seal a famous win.
Down by eight goals at one point, the Eagles played with a free spirited attitude in order to keep themselves in the contest and managed to somehow level up the scores at the final bell.
In extra time, the Eagles stole the show, running up the court with infectious momentum, managing to claw their way to a memorable victory that has them still alive in the premiership race, 50-47.
Both sides could hold their head high in a quality game of netball, but the likes of Tegan Stahl, Tara Cecil and Tahlia Coates were tremendous for the Eagles who now meet Beaconsfield in a preliminary final.
In B Grade finals action over the weekend, Narre Warren booked themselves a grand final spot after defeating Beaconsfield 50-40 at Holm Park.
The Magpies were a class above – much like the rest of the season – to advance through to the decider on 15 September.
Tooradin-Dalmore also claimed a comfortable 44-38 win in the first semi-final against Doveton on Sunday, and will now take on Beaconsfield in the preliminary final this weekend.
C Grade saw Beaconsfield turn the tables on Narre Warren to book a grand final place in a nail-biting 28-24 victory.
They now take on either Tooradin-Dalmore or Narre Warren, who will both fancy their chances when they meet for a crunch preliminary final.
In D Grade, meanwhile, Doveton just managed to scrap over the line in a belter of a clash against Tooradin-Dalmore, 27-26.
The Doves will now take on either Tooradin-Dalmore or Beaconsfield, who managed to also claw over the line by one goal in their semi-final showdown with Narre Warren on Sunday, 25-24.
