Finals footy has kicked off in the Limestone Coast Women’s Football League with all eyes on Blue Lake Sports Park on Sunday as the top teams started their campaigns towards winning the flag.
South Gambier v Millicent
South and Millicent kicked off the day in the B grade elimination final with the Dees coming away with a confidence boosting win.
In the first quarter South found the ball in the forward line many times and capitalised on their opportunities, kicking two goals to establish a good lead.
Millicent struggled to get going in the game as the Saints finished the quarter scoreless, down by 13.
In the second quarter the Saints’ scoring struggles continued as they struggled to find shots on goal.
Given an opportunity to build a large lead South failed to put the game away, only kicking one goal in the quarter, taking a 20 point lead into half time.
The Saints finally found themselves having shots at goal but they could not convert and came away with a point in the third stanza.
The Demons continued to get away from Millicent as they kicked another goal, leading by 26 at the last break.
In the final term South finally put away the Saints, bagging three goals and punching their ticket into the prelim final.
Demons captain Jarrah Altschwager led by example on the weekend, kicking three goals.
South Gambier defeated Millicent 7.3 (45) to 0.2 (2)
Penola v Kongorong
Penola came up big in the B grade qualifying final after a late game surge from the Hawks.
The Eagles got away to a good start, having five shots at goal and coming away with two.
Kongorong only managed one scoring shot, registering a behind to be down by 14 at the first break.
Things started to click for the Hawks in the second as they kicked two goals.
Penola still kept its distance from the Hawks with a goal of its own and heading into the half time break the Eagles led by 10.
The second quarter magic wore off for the Hawks as they only managed one point in the quarter, while Penola dominated with six shots on goal, converting two.
At three quarter time Penola had a 25 point lead.
After a rough third quarter the Hawks rallied together and made consecutive inside 50 entries, kicking two goals to put pressure on the Eagles.
Penola stayed cool, calm and collected, kicking two goals to secure the win and a trip to the B grade grand final.
Penola’s Heidi Berkin helped contribute to the win by kicking two goals.
Penola defeated Kongorong 7.9 (51) to 4.3 (27)
Casterton Sandford v Kybybolite
Kybybolite secured a dominant win over Casterton Sandford in the A grade elimination final.
Kyby started strong with a three goal quarter, while the Cats struggled and were held scoreless, finding them down by 20 at the first break.
The Tigers set about increasing their lead with a three goal quarter, as the Cats could only muster a solitary point.
At half time the Cats were looking at a 34 point deficit heading into the second half.
Casterton Sandford finally found some hope with the side’s first goal of the game in the third quarter, however the Tigers kept their foot on the pedal with three goals in the quarter to build a 47 point lead, making a win seem out of reach for the Cats.
The Cats gave it one last push in the final term, kicking three goals, while the Tigers struggled, only scoring two points.
However it was not enough for the Cats, with Kyby hanging on for the win.
Kybybolite’s Taylor Ryan had a great performance in the elimination final, kicking three goals in the win.
Kybybolite defeated Casterton Sandford 8.8 (56) to 4.1 (25) and advanced to the prelim final.
Mundulla v North Gambier
North Gambier conquered Mundulla in the A grade qualifying final in a thrilling match that went down to the wire.
The first quarter was an arm wrestle with both sides scoring a goal, but North edged the lead with a handy point to hold the smallest of margins after the first term.
The second quarter was a shootout with both sides kicking three goals, however North took a two point lead into the main break.
The Tigers only managed a single point in the third, while Mundulla took advantage of North’s scoring drought to kick a goal and snatch a five point lead.
Heading into a big final quarter North locked in and held Mundulla scoreless, while the Tigers scored their own goal to regain the lead.
North held on for the win over the minor premiers and locked in a spot into the A grade grand final.
North Gambier’s Alice Tentye came up big for the Tigers, kicking four goals.
North Gambier defeated Mundulla 5.6 (36) to 5.3 (33).
After a week off for Easter Casterton will host the preliminary finals, with Kongorong to play South Gambier in the B grade final with Mundulla facing Kybybolite in A grade.
