WHITE Hills has managed to do what no other HDFNL side has done this season and in the process booked itself a grand final berth.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A slick and clinical Demons inflicted the Colbinabbin’s first defeat for the season in Saturday’s second semi-final at Lockington.
They did it in style, winning by 19 goals to advance to their second-straight grand final.
The loss was the Grasshoppers’ first since their 54-47 loss to the Demons in the corresponding game last season.
With their book-ends – goal shooter Shannyn Keely and goal keeper Anna-Grace Close – in sublime form, the Demons were able to jump the Grasshoppers and set up a handy break at quarter time.
What followed next won high-praise from Demons coach Nadine Anderson, who was impressed with her players’ ability to find another gear.
“Previously our second quarters haven’t been good, but we had a great second quarter and then continued to build throughout the game,” she said.
“They made several changes and obviously had Jess Geary out, who was a huge out for them at wing attack.
“But we just continued to work really hard, which is what it came down to.”
The Demons served notice of their ability to overcome the Grasshoppers following a one-goal loss to the reigning premiers late in the season.
Anderson said the performance of the Demons’ goalers had been pivotal to the result.
“Our goalers were on, that was probably the difference between the other two games we’ve played,” she said.
“Shannyn Kelly was best-on-court I thought and down the other end Anna-Grace Close was very good, and our midcourt players were just as good.
“(Anna-Grace) has had a great season and she has slowly built her season up and is continuing to get better and better.
“She was a league best and fairest runner up and deservedly so.
“I thought last week (against Huntly) was her best game for us, but obviously this week I think this week was better than last week’s game.”
The A-grade win capped a remarkable afternoon for White Hills netball, with all four senior teams winning their way through to grand finals.
Meanwhile, Colbinabbin will face Mount Pleasant in next weekend’s preliminary final after the Blues ended Huntly’s season on Sunday at North Bendigo.
For the second week in a row, the Blues impressed on the finals stage, notching a 48-36 victory over the Hawks.
Grasshoppers coach Liz Cobbledick paid full credit to White Hills for a sparkling performance.
“They are a great side and played some really gelled-netball,” she said.
“They jumped us in the first half and found ourselves down by 15 goals at half time.
“We were much happier with our second half.”
Cobbledick was anticipating a tough game against the Blues, who have gathered strong momentum.