THE two best sides of the Hampden league’s 2022 netball season will meet this weekend with a grand final berth on the line.
South Warrnambool will take on Cobden at Friendly Societies Park in the second semi final, with the victor earning a direct route into the decider at Warrnambool’s Reid Oval on September 17.
Both clubs boast power-packed line-ups full of talented netballers, with the pair’s strength on the court evident throughout the home and away season.
The Roosters finished with a 16-1-1 record, with their only blemish coming against the Bombers, while Cobden won 15 of 18 games, with one of its defeats coming against this weekend’s opponent.
While the chance to play in a grand final means the stakes are undoubtedly much higher this time around, both sides are brimming with confidence and excitement at the prospect of facing each other.
Rooster Ally Mellblom, who is likely to line-up at goal keeper against sharpshooter Emily Finch, said her side knows defeating Cobden will be no easy task as it returns to the court following a week’s break.
“We know it’s going to be a hard game so we’ve been working hard at training and getting down (pat) those finer moments,” she said.
“We’re such a young team and we’re just playing the game, fulfilling our roles and working really well together which has been awesome this year.
“We know it’s going to be a good game, it’s just keeping a calm and composed game (that is the key for us).”
First-year Bomber Sarah Moroney, who has slotted into Sophie Hinkley’s defensive trio with ease, said her club was eager to carry the momentum of its qualifying final victory over Koroit into the clash with Roosters.
“They are incredible South, I’m very excited to play this weekend against them,” she said.
“Last time we played both sides had ins and outs but it’s going to be a great contest.
“We’re looking forward to it.”
In the elimination final on Sunday, Koroit will take on North Warrnambool, with both sides needing a victory to keep their premiership dreams alive.
Both matches start at 1.00pm this weekend.
