ELMORE'S stunning resurgence in HDFNL netball has continued, with the Bloods clinching the double chance in a compelling final round.
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The Bloods' 71-22 win over Heathcote was plenty to leapfrog Huntly, which defeated fellow top-three aspirant Mount Pleasant 44-30, and snare third spot ahead of next week's finals start.
Two years after finishing with just two wins for the season, Elmore will contest its second-straight finals series.
Coach Sue Borserio heaped praise on her players' fighting abilities to grab the double chance in a strong end to the regular season.
"We are extremely excited to finish third on the ladder and secure the double chance, it is one of our goals as a playing group that we set early in the season," she said.
"The entire club is elated, considering two seasons ago we were fighting it out for the wooden spoon.
"It's been a fast and massive turnaround."
Borserio declared season 2019 recruit Ruby Barkmeyer, who lined up for Boroondara Express in Wednesday night's VNL division one grand final, as the Bloods' best player after a "shooting frenzy".
"She had the big crowd in awe of her presence," the second-year Bloods coach said.
"We lost young gun Cayde Hayes in the first quarter and replaced her with Bree Heiden, but the team didn't miss a beat."
The Bloods will meet White Hills in next week's qualifying final, after the Demons defeated Leitchville-Gunbower 68-17.
Meanwhile, Huntly and Mount Pleasant will meet for the second time in as many weeks in an elimination final, after the Hawks were unable to secure a big enough win to hold on to third spot.
A dominant Kym Bell at centre and goal keeper Shelby Webster were best for the Hawks, who were rapt with the win, but disappointed to not hang on to the double chance.
"One benefit is we hope to get the monkey off our back and win versus Mounts in finals," an unpeat Hawks coach Emily Eliades said.
"(Mount Pleasant coach) Belinda (Pinner) and I go way back. We both commented that over the past three years it has come down to the last game. We have really enjoyed the tussle we have with Mounts.
"We found great balance on the weekend and were able to use our versatility a little. Our mid court was very strong.
"We had amazing defensive pressure. We were so thrilled for the win. We knew we could never back off as Mounts keep on coming.
"We look forward to another intense battle against them next week."
Colbinabbin cemented top spot and a week's break with a 57-28 win over North Bendigo.
The Bulldogs, under second-year coach Ellena Findlay, finished the season's best team outside finals with five wins and a draw.
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