The Grasshoppers defied the atrocious conditions to take control of Saturday’s contest at Heathcote after half time and power to a 17-goal win.

A tight Grasshoppers defence, brilliantly led by best-on-court Kate Chrinside, conceded just seven goals after half time in a 41-24 victory, which pleased their coach Liz Cobbledick.

“I was really happy with the win – I think some of the girls were a bit critical of their game, but I thought they played really well in what were terrible conditions,” she said.

“To come away with the win was really pleasing.

“The third quarter Mounts only scored two goals – it was definitely a day for the defenders, which had much to do with the wet weather.

“Kate Chirnside was our best player and was really strong in defence. Her and Brydie Lawford really rebounded well.”

The Blues were able to match with the reigning premiers in the first half and trailed by only three goals (20-17) at half time.

Colbinabbin’s win sets up the latest instalment in one of central Victoria’s best modern-day sporting rivalries between the Grasshoppers and White Hills.

Cobbledick, who missed the qualifying final through injury, but expects to be fit for next week, said she was grateful for another crack at the Demons, after her side was well-beaten in their round 16 encounter by 21 goals.

“We didn’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves because you have to take it one week at a time in finals, but we’re really excited to get the win so we can start focusing on White Hills,” she said.

“It will be a bit of deja-vu meeting them in Colbo after the last game, but we’re looking forward to getting a home final. It will be a great hit-out.”

Especially pleasing for Cobbledick was that despite a few bumps and bruises, the Grasshoppers were able to evade any major injuries.

“Jess Geary took a pretty nasty fall – she came off at quarter time – but she should be okay,” she said.

The Blues will meet Huntly in next week’s cut-throat semi-final after the Hawks ended Elmore’s season with a 44-33 win in the elimination final.

After a pair of losses in last year’s finals series, Hawks coach Emily Eliades said they were happy to put an end to their finals hoodoo.

The second-year coach praised the contributions of goal defence Sharna Appleby and tireless centre Kym Bell as pivotal to the outcome.

With the ledger between the Hawks and Blues resting at one win apiece this season, Eliades believed her players would take some momentum into next week’s battle.

“They’ve had a lot of injuries like us and I think we’re on a pretty even playing field,” she said.

“Our strength is the ability to be able to play four quarters of strong netball.

“We’ve got an opportunity to get on top of them and get another win. I think we can do it if we stick to our game plan and things go our way.”

For Elmore, a season of substantial improvement has come to an end, but not before many impressive on and off court gains and a break-through finals performance under first-year coach Sue Borserio.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.