International had not put a foot wrong across the entire 2022 Steeline Bendigo Bank Limestone Coast Football Association home and away season, but suffered its first setback as soon as finals arrived.

It was a super Saturday of roundball action as the finals started with the qualifying and elimination semi-finals on the card and the contest at Casadio Park produced the shock of the season.

Despite proving its credentials as the second best all season, Blue Lake struggled to land a punch on Inter all year, but found the knockout blow needed last weekend to book a dramatic grand final berth.

Having been on the back foot all year, the Rangers were ready to hit the minor premiers hard from the opening whistle and only needed two minutes to make their intentions clear.

A turnover opened the perfect door for Jasmine White to storm Blue Lake into the lead.

Being down after just 120 seconds was not a position Ricky McRobert’s team had found itself in many times this year and they struggled to match the fierce intensity applied from the visitors.

Another great piece of defensive work put White in the box seat to double her tally after less than 10 minutes of action.

Eventually the shell-shocked reigning premiers managed to regain their composure and creep back into the contest.

The fight for possession was suddenly on with the likes of Tess Andrews and Lauren Frost going head-to-head.

Eventually the gutsy fightback of International was complete when April Hockey and Leonie Robertson scored goals in quick succession to bring the scoreboard back to level terms by half time.

It set the stage for a classic second half and fans were on the edge of their seats as both goalkeepers were pushed to the edge.

The momentum kept swinging either way with strikers Ella Doody and White creating close calls for their respective sides.

Despite the immense pressure, no one could find the magic moment and the game was forced to venture into extra time.

The nail-biting back and forth play did not relent in the additional period and as the minutes ticked by a penalty shoot-out appeared the certain conclusion.

But just when a draw looked inevitable, the Frost sisters stepped up to the plate and delivered the match-defining blow.

Chelsea set up the play with a calculated pass to Lauren, who remained calm and nailed the shot into the top corner to send the Rangers into the grand final and International to its first defeat of the year.

Blue Lake coach Sean Fulton said the stunning last-gasp underdog win was built off the back of a strong defensive effort.

“With a spot in the grand final up for grabs, we came out with intensity and our high-pressure game caused an immediate turnover,” he said.

“Once our opponents gradually worked their way back into the game an arm wrestle ensued.

“We looked the more likely to score (after half time) with our rock-solid defence not letting anything through and continually pushing the ball forward, but could not convert on our chances.

“We had to wait until the very last minute of extra time for (the goal) to happen when the Frost sisters combined beautifully. Chelsea putting a wonderful pass into Lauren to finish truly in the top corner.”

The biggest improvers of the competition Apollo and Millicent came head-to-head in the elimination semi-final.

Both teams knew the stakes, needing a win to stay alive and it was the blue and white who stepped up first.

The likes of Bec Peters, Zoe Brooksby and Bella Calderwood dominated the midfield and put the visitors on the back foot for much of the second half with clean and calculated passing.

But the Millicent defence was equal to the task and managed to repel attack after attack with the likes of Lauren Potter and Darcey Allen giving it everything.

After controlling the play but not getting any reward for it, Apollo made a change with Paris Ackland jumping to the wing which allowed Brooksby to lead the assault alongside Daylia Daylia.

This proved to be a masterstroke as Brooksby made a play and completed it from inside the box to put the blue and white in front with only seven minutes left before the break.

Millicent’s defenders continued to show some grit deep into the second half, but they struggled to set up any plays to make a push for the equaliser.

All the attacking came at the other end of the pitch and Apollo iced the game when Daylia found the back of the net.

Apollo coach James Stephenson said he was impressed by the midfield’s ability to control the important fixture and book a ticket to next weekend’s preliminary final against Inter.

“We were only too aware of Millicent’s defensive capabilities so the midfield was determined to dominate and they did not disappoint,” he said.

“Zoe Brooksby, Bec Peters, Bella Calderwood, Deni Atkin and Gabby Ten-Tije controlled things from start to finish and passed the ball with purpose and composure.

“When Zoe struck the ball from inside the box, it was just reward for an excellent half of controlled football.

“But it was not until the 60th minute when Daylia scored the game looked to be beyond Millicent.

“Late changes gave us the opportunity to freshen things up with Amber Pellas, Dani Johnston and Maddie Ryan all helping to do steady things.

“We now head to Millicent next week hoping to maintain the momentum and secure a place in the grand final.”