NANGILOC’S dream of defending their MFNL A Grade crown remains alive, but only just, after a one-goal win over Werrimull in a thrilling elimination final at Gol Gol on Sunday.
The reigning champions seemed to have the game under control with a six-goal lead at the half, but the Magpies kept picking away and halved the margin going into the final term.
They then gave the Demons a real fright by taking the lead with only a few minutes remaining on the clock before shooter Amber King’s cool hand – and head – put Nangi back on top by a couple of goals and they were able to weather the storm for a 46-45 win which sees them advance to a preliminary final encounter against the Lions at Cardross on Saturday.
In a somewhat ironic twist, the Dees also beat the Pies by a solitary goal to win last year’s pennant – their first in 36 years.
Centre Tamara Loveridge was named best on court, but King, who is believed to have scored her 600th goal of the season, defenders Sienna Charles and Ginine Sluiter and wing attack Chloe Nelson also rose to the occasion.
For the disappointed Magpies, centre Erin Sell, goal attack Chelsea Newey and defender/wing attack Jolene Neyland battled all day but again end a season wondering what could have been.
Unbeaten Bambill marched into the grand final on Saturday with a comfortable win over Cardross at Gol Gol.
The Saints jumped out to an eight-goal lead by the first break and were never seriously challenged on their way to a 57-44 victory against the only team to take points off them this season – a 50-50 draw in round six.
Bambill’s best included defenders Erin Hird and Breigh Hammet, attacker Maddy Tormey and midcourters Tayla Davison-Amao and Kaylie Monaghan.
Cardy, who had only seven players in action at the weekend, face a tough final at home this week against a firing Demons’ outfit but can take plenty of heart from the efforts of shooter Tamara Hamence, who was chosen as the game’s best performer, as well as winger Gypsy Gange, coach and centre Bronte Burgess and defender Lily Thompson.
