OUYEN United all but have a semi-final berth secured with a nine-goal win over Red Cliffs at Quandong Park.
The young Tigers didn’t make it easy for the Kangas, the winless side delivering one of their best performances of the season but ultimately falling short 50 to 41.
Ouyen United were well in control for much of the first half, however, a brilliant final five minutes of the second term from the Tigers brought them right back to a 19-24 halftime scoreline.
Despite some uncharacteristic missed passes from the Kangas, there was never any panic as the cool heads kept control.
Every time the home side scored, the visitors seemed to respond in quick succession.
Kangas coach Kyra Nathan was complimentary of their opposition while also praising the versatility of her squad, with a number of formations tried throughout the contest.
“I thought Red Cliffs did well, they were very accurate and I thought their defenders did well, it wasn’t easy,” she said.
“Those grinding games are important before finals, we had one of those last week against Robinvale Euston and I imagine that Imps will come out firing in their last game of the year as well.
“We’ve still got a few things to tweak, we’re not quite there yet there’s always something to improve, but we’ll definitely be going in wanting a good hit out and a strong win, that’s our goal for next week.”
Tsharni Burns lead the way with her interceptions from defence and the all-action Ellen Morrish provided real energy.
Esther Manley continues to shine in defence, star Catherine Brown barely put a foot wrong in attack, and youngster Maggie Smith continues her impressive development as shooter, her height causing headaches for her opponents.
Kyra Nathan and Megan Jardine’s sublime passing to her shooters was brilliant to watch.
For the Tigers, centre Jacqulyn Bell was an energiser bunny and never stopped moving to provide a fulcrum for the Tiger’s attacks.
Sisters Jazmin and Jorja Parker combined well in attack and rarely missed a shot, while Yelena Richardson and Mickayla Mole put in strong shifts in defence.
