St Joseph’s led all game to book a spot in the Geelong Netball League A Grade grand final, toppling minor premier Newtown & Chilwell at Geelong West on Saturday.
St Joseph’s increased its lead at each of the first three breaks, leading by five, then seven and then eight to run out 46 to 41 winners.
St Joseph’s is the only team to beat the Eagles this season, winning the round 7 encounter by 11 goals and then on Saturday.
Ella Closter was a focal point in attack for Joeys with 37 goals.
All is not lost for Newtown & Chilwell with the reigning premiers meeting Geelong West Giants in the preliminary final this week to earn another crack at Joeys.
The Giants continued their barnstorming run with a 45 to 42 against South Barwon in the first semi-final.
With skipper Aleisha McDonald (35 goals) in form around the goal ring and Rachel Palmer-Brennan (10 goals from 12 attempts) providing fine support, the young Giants can dare to dream.
South Barwon welcomed back star goaler Ellen Doyle (33 goals) for the game.
After a bright start, leading by three goals at quarter time, the Swans were down by two at the next two breaks.
With 40 seconds to go, the Giants led by one and were playing a possession game, trying to deny South Barwon the ball.
McDonald scored to put the game beyond doubt and the Giants are now one win away from a grand final.
PRELIMINARY FINALS
Saturday September 20, West Oval, Geelong West
A Grade: Newtown & Chilwell vs Geelong West Giants, 2.30pm
B Grade: Newtown & Chilwell vs St Mary’s, 12.55pm
C Grade: South Barwon vs Leopold, 11.45am
D Grade: South Barwon vs Newtown & Chilwell, 10.40am
E Grade: Leopold vs St Mary’s, 2.05pm
19 & Under: South Barwon vs Bell Park, 12.55pm
17 & Under Division 1: South Barwon vs Newtown & Chilwell, 10.40am
17 & Under Division 2: South Barwon vs Newtown & Chilwell, 11.45am
15 & Under Division 1: South Barwon vs St Mary’s, 9.35am
15 & Under Division 2: Bell Park vs South Barwon, 9.35am
13 & Under Division 1: South Barwon vs Colac, 8.30am
13 & Under Division 2: South Barwon vs St Joseph’s, 8.30am
