GOLDEN Square eliminated Gisborne from the race for the All Seasons Bendigo Football-Netball League's A grade premiership on Sunday.
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Strong defence by Stacey Scott and Ros McEniry was a telling factor in Golden Square's victory on the Bendigo Aquatic Centre court, adjacent to the QEO.
The blue and golds led by six goals at quarter-time, while Gisborne cut the margin by a goal in the second term.
Golden Square went on to win 50-38.
The South Bendigo line-up charged home in the final quarter of the B grade clash with Eaglehawk.
Eaglehawk wing defence Bronwyn Coffey was in hot form, while goalkeeper Natalie Riddle also played well for the Two Blues.
South Bendigo goalkeeper Jahn Austerberry won most rebounds off missed shots at goal, but it was Eaglehawk that won 47-44.
A first-quarter blitz by Kangaroo Flat forced Castlemaine to play catch-up netball in the 17-and-under match.
Britney Fitzpatrick capitalised on the mid-court dominance in the first half as the Roos led 24-16 by half-time.
Castlemaine fought back, with Arlene Collins and Megan Kruger behind a lot of attacks.
With the clock ticking down, Kangaroo Flat had possession and held on to win by a goal.
Extra time in two of Saturday's qualifying finals was all part of an exciting start to the finals.
A goal by Sandhurst's Claire Gibbs seconds before the final siren levelled scores in the B grade match against Kangaroo Flat.
Kangaroo Flat's Jody Chant worked hard in defence against Sascha McPherson, while Courtney Stone's ability to contain Roos' star Nina Shelton was a highlight.
In time-on, Sandhurst surged to clear to score 14 goals to five and clinch a 60-51 victory.
The 17-and-under match between Gisborne and Sandhurst was decided in extra time.
Sandhurst fought back from a seven-goal deficit at three-quarter time to score 13 goals to six.
Scores were 44-all when the siren sounded.
It was goal-for-goal in time-on.
With less than a minute on the clock, Gisborne scored from a turnover and held the centre pass for a two-goal win, 53-51.
Gisborne will play Golden Square in Saturday's second semi-final.
The qualifying finals action was capped by Kangaroo Flat's 11-goal win in the A grade clash with Maryborough.
After an even first term, Kangaroo Flat dominated the second quarter to score 17 goals, while the Borough added just eight.
Kangaroo Flat's defensive pressure was the key to victory, with Benita Swatton and Alicia McGlashen combining superbly to force many turnovers.
Maryborough wing defence Andrea Parker and goalshooter Andrea Heenan were best for the Magpies.
Kangaroo Flat will face the unbeaten Sandhurst in this Saturday's second semi-final.fu759 ADSANS - sports/finance detail Elimination final scores: A grade: Golden Square 12 25 37 50 d Gisborne 6 20 28 38.
BEST - Golden Square: Stacey Scott (gk), Ros McEniry (gd). Gisborne: Paige Rymer (gd), Alana Sharman (gs).
B grade: Eaglehawk 14 26 38 47 d South Bendigo 11 22 31 44.
BEST - Eaglehawk: Bronwyn Coffey (wd), Natalie Riddle (gk). South Bendigo: Jahn Austerberry (gk), Sarah McCrum (ga).
C grade: Castlemaine 16 28 35 50 d Golden Square 12 21 35 43.
BEST - Castlemaine: Trisha Rewell (gd), Kath Teasdale (gk). Golden Square: Kirsten Cunningham (gd, gk), Ashleigh Weeks (ga, wa).
17-and-under: Kangaroo Flat 11 24 30 39 d Castlemaine 5 16 27 38.
BEST - Kangaroo Flat: Kelsea Fitzpatrick (wd). Castlemaine: Arlene Collins (wd), Megan Kruger (c).