Netball
8 September, 2024
Dimboola's statement win against Stawell, now face Horsham | WFNL finals
Dimboola secure preliminary final berth after win over Stawell.
Dimboola is just one win away from the WFNL A Grade grand final berth following a statement win against Stawell on Sunday, September 8.
The Roos defeated the Warriors 56-45 in front of a capacity crowd at Coughlin Park in Horsham.
Coach Ashlee Morrish said her side had a point to prove after losing to the Horsham Saints in the qualifying final on August 31.
"We came out hard early on," Morrish said. "From our loss last week we had a bit of fire in our belly, and we knew we had to come out hard and prove that we're worthy of it."
While Stawell came out firing from the first whistle, Dimboola dominated at both ends of the court, seizing scoring opportunities and limiting second chances for the Warriors.
At the end of the first quarter, the Roos were up 15-6.
"We wanted to play our own game and not get caught up with how Stawell played," Morrish said.
"We've been focusing on building trust; just let it rip and give it when it's on.
"Defensively, I think [Bridget Dorrington] and and Steph [Glover] read the ball really well. They were both on right from word go, which definitely makes a big impact."
Dimboola made the most of its opportunities and pushed the margin out to 15 goals by halftime.
Morrish praised the work of her midcourt, who created several turnovers in each third.
"Olivia Lehmann played really well. I gave her second best," she said.
"Her pressure over the ball helped create that loopy pass for our defence to read the ball."
Despite a 15-goal advantage, Dimboola were still looking to score.
Stawell threw several different defensive combinations at goal shooter Nicole Polycarpou and goal attack Olivia Beugelaar, but could not slow down the rate of scoring.
"They [Polycarpou and Beugelaar] work really well together," Morrish said.
"We aimed to get at least 15 goals each quarter.
"We also did quite a few combos; we're a very versatile team. We can make those changes and, through trial and error, see if it would take us to the next level.
"The good thing is, when the girls get tired, they know we've got fresh legs to come on."
Stawell scored 28 goals in the second half, including 16 in the third quarter; however, its slow start hurt them, eventually falling by 11.
Beugelaar top scored for Dimboola with 29 goals at 90 per cent accuracy. Polycarpou added 26 (78%).
Playing in her second game of the day, Ayva Mitchell scored 29 goals (82%) for the Warriors, while captain Ebony Summers added 16 (76%).
The Roos are ready face Horsham following the Demons loss to the Horsham Saints, something Morrish said her side is relishing.
"We're looking forward to a physical game," she said.
"We'll be looking to meet the ball and get in front of it early."
Dimboola faces minor premiers Horsham in the preliminary final at Murtoa on Sunday, September 15.
Plenty of action in minor grades
Stawell came back from a three-goal deficit at halftime to defeat Minyip-Murtoa 50-42 in the B Grade final.
The Burras had beaten the Warriors twice in the regular season by an average of 27.5 goals and came out firing from the first whistle.
However, at the first break, Minyip-Murtoa only led by two goals, which it managed to extend to three by the main break.
With the season on the line, Stawell increased its workrate and scored 14 goals in the third quarter while limiting the Burras to nine.
With the smell of victory in the air, Stawell upped the ante and scored 15 more goals in the final quarter to win by eight.
Stawell's Holly Graveson scored 47 goals (82%), including 16 in the fourth quarter.
Tamira Cullinan and Isabella Griffiths scored 25 (71%) and 17 (68%) for the Burras, respectively.
Stawell plays Horsham Saints in the B Grade preliminary final.
Horsham's C Grade side comfortably defeated Dimboola 35-25.
It was an even game in the first half, with the sides trading goals as the Demons established a small lead at the main break.
Horsham limited Dimboola to just seven shots on goal in the third quarter and put up almost double from its own end to extended the lead about to seven goals at the final break.
The Roos made several changes, but could not cut the margin down, eventually losing by 10 goals.
Georgie Hobbs scored 27 goals (73%) for Horsham, while Stephanie Miller did the majority of Dimboola's scoring with 17 (79%).
Horsham face Stawell in the preliminary final.
In the final game of the day, Dimboola defeated Stawell 45-25 in the C Reserve netball.
The Roos never trailed through the four quarters, with the Warriors only drawing even during the opening period.
Tara Petschel scored 37 goals (80%) for the victors, while Tara Ahern scored 22 goals (76%) for the Warriors.
Dimboola now face the Horsham Saints.
Warriors, Eagles mixed fortunes
Stawell started the day off on the right note, winning a thrilling contest against Warrack Eagles 29-28.
The Warriors looked comfortable, playing with a three-goal lead at halftime, but the Eagles clawed back in the second half.
Nothing could separate the two sides after four quarters of regular play.
A second overtime was almost needed, but with less than 10 seconds remaining, Matilda Egan calmly slotted her 22 goal (73%) of the game.
Warrack's Alya Gunn recorded 20 goals (69%), including four in overtime.
Stawell will play Horsham in the preliminary final.
The Warriors could not repeat the heroics in the under-15s, outmuscled by the Demons 43-32.
After an even first half, Horsham's class shone, scoring 26 goals for the half, while limiting Stawell to just 14.
Demons' Abbey Wiedermann scored 29 goals (83%) playing in goal attack and goal shooter, while teammate Rani Potter added 13 (68%).
Ayva Mitchell scored the bulk of Stawell's goals with 23 (79%).
Warrack Eagles won a fiercely contested under-17s contest against Southern Mallee Thunder 53-40.
After an even start, the Eagles established control of the match with a five-point lead at the first break.
Playing confidently, Warrack pushed the margin to 13 goals at halftime.
Wholesale changes from the Thunder were effective, and the side clawed back the deficit, albeit to 11 goals at the final break.
Despite a vocal crowd behind them, the margin was too large to overcome.
Goal shooter Kyah Livingston put on a show, shooting 33 goals (82.5%) for the victors.
Phoebe Bigham was even more accurate with 24 goals (85%).