The ladder positions after a competitive 2022 Steeline Bendigo Bank Limestone Coast Football Association Senior Women’s home and away season are confirmed after an eventful final round last weekend.

The big question surrounding the 15th round of the season was who would seal the last remaining finals berth with little separating Millicent and Gambier Centrals.

The Lions had the tougher task needing to win against title contender Blue Lake and hope Millicent go down to Apollo.

The two big games both took place on Saturday afternoon at opposite ends of Mount Gambier.

Blue Lake and Gambier Centrals faced off at Malseed Park under overcast skies and the clouds were gathering over the latter which had to win to keep its season alive.

To make life even harder for the Lions, a struggle for numbers due to injuries hurt their chances before kickoff.

Once play began it was clear the Rangers were not going to give an inch either and Centrals’ task was made even harder when Chelsea and Lauren Frost showed what they are capable of and teamed up for a classy goal in the opening minutes of the game.

With the Frost sisters at full flight, Centrals had it all to do and the likes of Olivia Gwilym and Rose Irakoze battled hard.

But their efforts were not enough as the Rangers cruised to a second goal after the fancy footwork of Jasmine White proved too much for Lions’ goalkeeper Bronwen Mitchell.

Being 2-0 down at half time and staring at the prospect of no finals, Centrals rallied and put in a big effort when play resumed.

Youngsters Scarlet Creek and Isla Dickson gave it their all and were able to breathe some life into the wounded Lions.

They created some chances, but unfortunately for Scott Dickson’s team none of them were converted.

The game and season then started to slip away as soon Blue Lake recommenced its charge with a flurry of aggressive attacks.

White was unstoppable and completed her hat-trick in style with a long-range kick and a header.

A 4-0 win was the perfect way for the Rangers to enter finals and coach Sean Fulton said many individuals stood up.

“The Frost sisters combined beautifully for the first goal inside the first 15 minutes,” he said.

“Then Jasmine showed some superb footwork on both feet and we continued to attack relentlessly in the second half.

“Our defence held strong and continually repelled any attacks.

“Jasmine scored again with another long-range strike and completed her hat-trick shortly after when she headed in a goal from a curling corner.”

The other big contest was over at Blue Lake Sports Park where Millicent looked to seal its fate against Apollo.

However, the blue and white had other ideas and were determined to enter finals on a winning note.

The hosts came out hard and started to

wrestle the game their way despite a tight battle for possession.

What did not help Millicent’s chances were the absences of Meredie Widdison and Sarah Thomson from the playing XI which meant some Under 16’s had to step up.

Despite fighting hard early during the back and forth opening minutes, eventually Apollo’s hard work was rewarded as the game opened up.

Two unanswered goals from the home side meant Millicent’s hope of sealing a finals spot was looking difficult.

Millicent United looked to make a difference by refreshing itself with a few changes at half time but they failed to make an impact on the scoreboard.

Apollo seized on the visitors’ tired legs to run out 3-0 victors with Deni Atkin and Daylia Daylia and Gabriel Tentye the scorers.

Despite the disappointment of finishing the season with a defeat, Centrals’ own troubles over at Malseed Park meant Millicent held onto fourth and secured a well-deserved finals berth.

International completed its dominant run to the minor premiership with a big win over Naracoorte away from home.

Although Hayley Fulton found the back of the net to give Naracoorte fans something to cheer about before the season finished, the black and blue were in a league of their own.

Ella Doody was back at full force booting a big bag of five goals, while Satu Aumo, April Hockey, Evany Rex and Leonie Robertson added the finishing touches to the 12-1 win.

The Limestone Coast Football Association takes a week off ahead of finals as the juniors head off to Mildura for the SAJSA Country Championships.