WALLAN survived a close game against Lancefield in the A-grade netball on the weekend, narrowly defeating the Tigers to send itselves to a playoff against Riddells Creek next week.
In the final term Lancefield gathered momentum to push the Magpies to within two points on the scoreboard at stages, but they were eventually not enough for the black and white, who took the victory by seven goals, 45-38.
It was great coaching, slowing the ball down in the dying stages, keeping the possession of the game while the clocked ticked down, which frustrated Lancefield forcing multiple minor infringements throughout the whole last term.
What a season it was for Lancefield, who led the game for the entire first half.
Riddells Creek couldn’t do enough for Woodend, who look the hot favourite to win the flag come grand final day.
It was a narrow contest again on Saturday, but ended up blowing out to 14 goals in the last quarter.
Riddell looked good enough in the first, but took a bad hit in the second to trail by eight goals at the half.
The third term was their best though, thanks to young gun Tilly Allen, former league medalist Ellen Close and Madison Brown.
They were able to close the margin back to five goals at the final break, but Woodend would prove too strong for the red and black, booking itselves a grand final spot.
Wallan and Riddell will now play off to get revenge on the Hawks on the final day of the finals series.
In the B grade, Lancefield beat Wallan to move into the first spot of the grand final.
Wallan will take on Romsey who defeated Gisborne by 11 goals on Sunday.
C grade will see Gisbrone Giants in the grand final against either Riddells Creek of Macedon depending on next week.
The D grade will feature another Lancefield team against either Diggers Rest or Melton South.
Finally in the under 19.5s, Riddells Creek’s one-goal victory over Melton South means they’re through to the grand final, going in as favourites against the winner of next weeks’ Melton South v Wallan game.
