LEITCHVILLE-GUNBOWER coach Jodie Lake expects another tight contest against Mount Pleasant when they meet in Sunday’s elimination final.
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Nothing has separated the rivals all season, with the Bombers winning by two goals at Toolleen in round three and the Blues getting the points by one goal at Gunbower in round 12.
They finished with identical 9-7 records and will now meet on neutral ground at Colbinabbin.
Lake, whose on-court season is over due to a leg infection and won’t be on the sidelines on Sunday, said the Bombers had struck form in a 63-37 win over Lockington-Bamawm United last week.
“It was a surprising win, we were expecting a tighter contest, but I couldn’t have asked for anymore from the girls than how they played on Saturday,” she said.
“Our shooters (Jordy Holman and Victoria Weaver) are just starting to hit their straps; their accuracy on the weekend was good.
“The midcourt is coming together and we’ve had a bit of a change-up in our defence end with me out for the season, but it’s all starting to come together.”
As their previous scorelines indicate, Lake said it would be hard to pinpoint where the game might be won and lost.
“I think it will just be tight all over the court,” she said.
“They’ve recruited very well with a few from the BFNL – we always knew they were going to be a strong side this year and one of the contenders.
“We are just looking forward to the challenge - the girls are ready and raring.”
The Blues will have plenty of finals experience to call on in the form of their coach Belinda Pinner and fellow former Golden Square player Clare Hope.
On Saturday, White Hills and Huntly will do battle for the right to face Colbinabbin in next weekend’s second semi-final.
The Demons have beaten the Hawks by six goals in both their previous matches this season and will start favourites after losing just two games all season.
Huntly has finished no higher than fifth in their last four seasons, but have done well to secure the double chance following a consistent season and will be playing at their home courts.
White Hills has dispatched of Leitchville-Gunbower and Mount Pleasant in the past two weeks in an excellent tune-up for finals.