Sport
31 August, 2024
Laharum dominates in A Grade semi-final win against Noradjuha Quantong
Demons secures spot in HDFNL grand final with win over Bombers.
Laharum showed its strength during the Horsham District Football Netball League's A Grade semi-final against Noradjuha Quantong on Saturday, August 31.
The Demons showed why it was undefeated in 2024, defeating the Bombers 44-27.
The minor premiers led after each break, at times, pushing out the margin to 19 goals, thanks to slick passing up the court and accurate shooting from Caitlin Story.
Not even a second-half shower could dampen Laharum's spirits, who outscored Noradjuha Quantong 12-4 in a windy third quarter.
"Smart play during the rain, girls," A Grade coach Bec McIntyre said during the final break.
"We shortened the passes and played the percentages."
The Bombers stood tall through the game, but the deficit was too significant to overcome.
Story finished the game with 35 goals at 68 per cent accuracy, including a game-high 10 goals from 14 shots in the second quarter.
The total pushes the league's leading goal scorer to 730 goals for the season, more than 100 goals beyond second place, Zanaiya Bergen, with 615 goals.
Story was named the Demons' best player on the court, while her direct defender for much of the game, Brooke Pay, was named the best for the Bombers.
Wing Attack Melanie Russell, who often linked up with Story with looping lobs and rapid passes into the circle, was also named in the best.
Noradjuha Quantong centre Holly Nuske was also named as the best for her tireless movement through the middle of the court.
Shannon Couch and Taylor Shelley were valiant in attack, but only recorded 10 goals each.
By finishing second, Noradjuha Quantong has a chance at redemption in the preliminary final in Natimuk on Saturday, September 7.
The Bombers will play the winner of the second semi-final - Rupanyup or Kalkee - held on Sunday, September 1.
In the minor grades, Natimuk United will skip a home final after they defeated Kalkee 38-25.
The Rams were too strong for the Kees, with Codi-Rae Fisher outscoring her opposition with 34 goals.
After the first quarter, Natimuk United established a five-point lead and extended it to 15 goals by the final break.
Despite being outscored in the final quarter, the minor premiers won by goals.
Kalkee now awaits the winner of Swifts and Harrow-Balmoral.
Noradjuha Quantong booked its place in the grand final with a 32-27 win against Kalkee.
The Kees had the advantage for the first half of the game, holding a 16-14 lead; however, the Bombers level the scores in the third quarter.
Noradjuha Quantong produced a 9-6 final quarter to record the five goal win.
Sharon Fedke scored 18 goals for the Bombers, while Emma Bigham's 22 goals was not enough to produce the win.
Kalkee will play the winner of Edenhope Apsley and Natimuk United.
Mixed fortunes for Kalkee in junior games
Kalkee was well represented in the junior finals, with sides contesting the under 17s, 15s and 13s semi-final.
In its 36-31 win against Harrow-Balmoral, the oldest squad was tested but did not falter.
The Kees were too strong in the midcourt, consistently converting turnovers into goals.
The minor premiers held the lead for the majority of the game; at times the margin was 10 goals.
However, the Southern Roos were valiant in defeat, playing like a team with nothing to lose.
With minutes left, a double-digit margin was cut to three, but the deficit was too large.
Captain Cadi Streeter scored 20 goals for Kalkee, while Harrow-Balmoral's Tara McIntyre top-scored for the game with 24.
The Southern Roos play the winner of Pimpinio and Edenhope Apsley.
Rupanyup's under-15 side booked its place in the grand final with a 34-29 win against Kalkee.
While scores were close in the first quarter, the Panthers' squad took control of the game after the first break, adding 11 goals while limiting its opponents to just five.
Ilze Van Zyl was consistent all day at goal attack, scoring 24 goals for Rupanyup.
Kalkee vice-captain put everything on the line, scoring 22 goals (88%).
The Kees will face the winner of Laharum and Natimuk United.
In the first game of the day, Kalkee showed why it finished at the top of the ladder with a come-from-behind win against Rupanyup.
The young Panthers came out of the blocks firing and established a five-goal lead before the minor premiers could get on the board.
However, the Kees clawed back and held a one-goal lead by the final break.
A flawless final quarter saw Kalkee win 32-26.
Ella Schultz top scored with 20 goals, while captain Tayla Streeter added 12.
Rupanyup will play the winner of Kaniva-Leeor United and Laharum.