As anticipated, little separated the two sides throughout a highly-skilled and tough contest, with the Demons finally prevailing 43-40.

The Mean Machine, led by a standout game in defence from Ash Donnan, were not without their chances and were able to snatch a one goal lead during the final quarter, before an experienced Demons steadied to score their first win against Bridgewater in three attempts this season.

Scores were level at three-quarter time after the Demons had held a slight advantage on the scoreboard for most of the first three quarters.

Calivil United joint coach Karen Pascoe praised her players’ ability to hold their nerve when challenged by a determined and resilient Mean Machine.

“We really fought out the last five minutes (of the game) really well; we got lots of turnovers in that time to get in front again,” she said.

“It was close, we were only ever a couple of goals in front; I think we may have got to five goals ahead at one stage.

“Bridgewater took the challenge right up to us, which is pretty much what I expected going into the game.”

Pascoe expressed her feeling during the week that there was little between her side, Bridgewater and top side Mitiamo and was now more convinced than ever.

“We were really happy to get one up (on Bridgewater) and that should give us some confidence for next week against Mitiamo,” she said.

In an evenly matched contest, Calivil United got strong contributions from centre Cassie-Anne Penno, wing attack Erin Boyd and experienced defender Lauren Miller, who was singled out for praise by opposition coach Claudia Powell.

The Demons will sweat on an injury to joint coach Teigan Redwood, who was replaced during the game by Michelle Balic.

Balic, who went into the clash feeling less than 100 per cent, came up with a critical intercept in the closing moments to deny Bridgewater what would have been a crucial goal.

Mean machine coach Powell took plenty of heart in her team’s performance and the fact the match could easily have gone either way.

“I don’t think there’s a lot between us and Calivil United, it just depends on the day really, we match each other very well,” she said.

“They got the jump on us, so we’ll need to come out a bit more ready (next week), but it was a tough contest and we really needed that.

“Three goals isn’t a lot – we’d been down all day and got a one goal lead in the last quarter before they got on top of us again.

“It was the best game of netball Calivil have played against us this year.”

Powell, who is in her first season as coach, backed her team to rebound quickly.

The Mean Machine will be comforted by the knowledge that Pyramid Hill, which won last season’s grand final, did so after losing the corresponding game before steadying to win three-straight finals matches.

“Hopefully this (loss) gives us a kick, we’re a bit more driven and are ready to go next week,” Powell said.

The Mean Machine will meet Maiden Gully YCW in next weekend’s cut-throat semi-final after the Eagles ended Newbridge’s season with a 37-26 win in Sunday’s elimination final.