Another big shout out to the Host Clubs for last week’s Semi Finals. A very big thank you to the Terang Mortlake FNC and the Port Fairy FNC who hosted a fantastic weekend of Football and Netball especially after the horrendous weather conditions we all endured last Friday.
A Cap of Last Week’s Games
South Warrnambool have secured their spot in next week’s Grand Final after a comfortable win over Cobden. The Bomber’s were no match for the minor premiers with the Rooster’s winning almost every position on the court. Ally O’Connor was outstanding through the centre and Hollie Phillips was hard to stop in the attacking circle. Amy Hammond and Jaymie Finch combined well in attack but had limited opportunities to capitalise. South Warrnambool went on to win by 24 goals.
In the first Semi Final on Sunday, Warrnambool took on Koroit at Port Fairy. With no more than five goals adrift for most of the game, the spectators were kept entertained. Molly McKinnon, shooting 25 of her team’s goals, played some of her best netball to give Koroit the edge and were able to gain a goal or three each quarter. Amy Wormald played her 150th Open game for the Blue’s but it was not enough to spur her team to a spot in this week’s Preliminary Final. The Saints were eventual winners 44 – 36.
Grand Finalists
There were some exciting games being played out in other grades and the following teams have made it straight through to the Grand Final
13/U – Hamilton Kangaroos 15/U – South Warrnambool
17/U – Koroit 17/UR – South Warrnambool
Div 3 – Hamilton Kangaroos Div 2 – Hamilton Kangaroos
Div 1 – Cobden
Preliminary Finals
Game times have been changed for this week’s Preliminary Finals. Listed below is the schedule for this Saturday.
9.00: 15/U Terang Mortlake V North Warrnambool 13/U: Koroit V South Warrmambool
10.00: 17/U Terang Mortlake V Warrnambool Div 2: Port Fairy V Koroit
11.15: Div 3 Port Fairy V Terang Mortlake 17/UR: Cobden V Warrnambool
1.45: Open Cobden V Koroit
My prediction for this Week
Cobden had the upper hand when they last took on the Saints. Whilst I know anything can happen in finals, I anticipate the Bombers defence will be back on top this week and will be well supported with accurate shooting at the other end. The Saints have a young developing team and will be all the more stronger next season but I think this will be a big ask of them this week.. Cobden should come away with a solid win and have another shot at a Premiership Title.
In other Grades this week:-
13/U – Koroit V South Warrnambool – I think South Warrnambool will win in a close battle.
15/U – Terang Mortlake V North Warrnambool – Terang Mortlake risk going out in straight sets and North Warrnambool have been playing some of their best netball, I think Terang will win just.
17/U – Terang Mortlake V Warrnambool – Terang Mortlake won their last encounter in the Qualifying final and Alice Suhan has been out with Injury. Eva Ryan has been instrumental in attack for the Blues but I think the Bloods can do it again.
17/UR: Cobden V Warrnambool:- Cobden took out the minor Premiership and have been setting the standard all year. The Bombers should advance to next week..
Div 3: Port Fairy V Terang Mortlake:- Terang Mortlake have been the stronger of these teams during the season and showed great form in their Semi final. The Bloods for me.
Div 2: Port Fairy V Koroit:- The Div 2 competition has been super close this season and any team is capable of going all the way. Port Fairy will be keen to make amends for their narrow loss last year and will be determined to get the win.
Div 1:- Koroit V Hamilton Kangaroos:- Koroit have had the upper hand between these two teams during the Home and Away rounds but the Kangaroos with no Open team to field, may have more players up for selection. In a tight contest the Kangaroos may just get over the line.
Good Luck to all Teams, both Football and Netball, competing this weekend. Looking forward to some more great contests in the beautiful Spring weather.
