EXTRA-time was needed for the Bendigo Thunder to get over the top of the VU Western Spurs in Saturday’s Northern Football League Women’s qualifying final.
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Scores were level at 4.7 (31) apiece at the end of the fourth quarter at Epping Recreation Reserve, forcing the game to continue.
The Thunder had the better of the two five-minute periods of extra time, kicking the only two goals through Andrea Walsh and Billie-Lee Humphrey to win 6.9 (45) to 4.7 (31).
“It was a scrappy game today. VU’s pressure was really good and they didn’t let us play the way we wanted and forced us into a lot of mistakes,” Thunder coach Luis Alvarez-Harris said.
“They spread really well from the contest and found their forwards in space.
“But credit to our girls; they fought back and were able to run out the game in extra time and finish off well.”
In her return to the side Lauren Datson was best for the Thunder playing a midfield/forward role.
“She has been away for a couple of weeks, so it was good to get her back in today and she was really hard at the contest for us,” Alvarez-Harris said.
Also among the better players for the Thunder were Richmond VFLW-listed Jac Louttit playing forward and back, Humphrey, Michelle Barkla, Carly Ladson in the ruck and Amanda Carrod.
Carrod kicked two goals, while Humphrey’s extra-time goal was one of two she kicked for the game.
The Thunder will now turn their attention to next Saturday’s second semi-final against top side Keilor, which will also be played at Epping.
The Thunder and Keilor have met twice this season, with each team having won one apiece.
The winner will advance to the grand final on August 26.
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MATCH DETAILS:
Bendigo Thunder
1.2, 2.3, 2.6, 6.9 (45)
VU Western Spurs
0.0, 1.1, 1.3, 4.7 (31)
Bendigo goals – A. Carrod, B. Humphrey 2, G. Edlin, A. Walsh.
Bendigo best – L. Datson, J. Louttit, B. Humphrey, M. Barkla, C. Ladson, A. Carrod.
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