Wallan was unable to book its place in the Riddell District Football Netball League A Grade netball grand final after a 39-38 semi-final loss to Rupertswood on Saturday.
The Magpies were under pressure early as the Sharks took a one-goal lead on the back of perfect 11 from 11 shooting, while Wallan scored 10 goals on 14 shots.
Wallan held their ground despite superb Rupertswood shooting, staying level in the second quarter with the two sides scoring 11 goals each – only missing three shots between them.
Rupertswood had another perfect quarter from inside the goal circle, scoring 11 goals without missing a shot while keeping Wallan to nine goals, and lead by three at the final break.
Knowing the Rupertswood shooters weren’t likely to miss, the Magpies did their best to limit their opportunities and only gave up six goals.
The Magpies had a chance to steal the win but weren’t able to get over the line.
Wallan shooter Chloe Meulenmeesters scored 25 goals from 31 shots while Tess Grimmond and Matilda Lethlean chipped in with three and two goals, respectively.
For Rupertswood, Jade O’Shannessy led the Sharks with 27 goals from 27 shots and Hanna Keane was also a perfect eight from eight as Rupertswood missed just one shot on goal all day.
In the other semi-final, Romsey’s season is over after a 46-42 semi-final loss to Macedon at Romsey Park on Sunday.
The Cats started well, moving the ball down the court with ease and restricting the Redbacks’ passing lanes to take an eight-goal lead into quarter time.
Romsey was able to close the margin to five goals at half time on the back of an 11 goal to eight second quarter.
The Redbacks continued to chip away at the Cats’ lead, closing the gap to three goals at the last break after a 12-10 third quarter – both sides missed just one shot each.
With the season on the line, Macedon stepped up to score 12 goals from 15 shots to hold the Redbacks off.
Macedon will take on Wallan on Saturday at Romsey Park with the winner facing Rupertswood in the grand final on September 14.
