OUYEN United completed their final dress rehearsal before a home elimination final on Sunday, comfortably accounting for Merbein in a 40-22 win.
The game was impacted by the fluctuating whether at Underbool. It would be sunny and pleasant one minute, followed by rain coming in sideways the next.
This resulted in a low scoring game, although there were a few skill errors that contributed to the teams scoring just eight goals combined in the last term.
“We were pretty composed,” Kangas coach Kyra Nathan said.
“The weather didn’t help us much. We had to go short and sharp when we are used to going a bit faster than that.
“Early on Merbein matched us, it definitely wasn’t a blowout. Then we got our game together after half-time.”
Ouyen United will welcome back shooter Maggie Smith next week for their final but will need everyone on song to defeat South Mildura, who have defeated them in their last two fixtures.
“Having Smith in will change our style again and give us a different look in attack,” Nathan said.
“They have beaten us both times this year, so we will have to consolidate our systems and play to our strengths.”
It was no surprise Casey Crothers and Esther Manley were in the Kangas’ best as they held Merbein to just 22 goals.
“Casey absolutely smashed it,” grinned Nathan and she will be hoping to get similar from her loved teammate in the finals series.
For Merbein, Tamika Sherlock was relentless in her pressure in WD, whilst Johannah Gray finished her season at the high level she has displayed all season long in GD.
Ouyen United 40 d Merbein 22
BEST: Ouyen United: Casey Crothers, Esther Manley.
Merbein: Tameika Sherlock, Johannah Gray.
