Grand final games in Lake Cullulleraine

Millewa Football Netball League grand final netball tips off at Johansen Reserve Lake Cullulleraine this Saturday with a host of thrilling matchups and elite lineups set to take the courts.

Intriguing contests are presented across all age groups and divisions.

Out of the five Cardross teams who played preliminary final games last weekend on home territory, their 15 and under squad were the only side to progress through to the title decider after seizing a close 22-18 victory against Bambill which was their first triumph over the Saints this year.

They will now take on a Meringur team who topped the regular season ladder ahead of the Lions by just two wins.

“It’s amazing for the girls,” said Cardross 15 and under coach David Alexander.

“They’ve worked hard all year, and they deserve their spot in the grand final.”

A week prior to Alexander’s outfit beating Bambill, Cardross suffered an eight point semi-final defeat to the Kangaroos after previously beating them during the last game of the regular season 17-12.

“They’re a really strong team as well, they’ve got some really good young netballers,” said Alexander.

“They only lost one game to us throughout the season and that was the last home and away game, and I think they only lost one other game for the whole year.

“But we were able to beat them in that last home and away game which secured second spot for us by one goal on the percentages, and that was great for the girls to get that win because we now know we can beat them.”

“So, the girls are coming good at the right time of the season.”

Cardross and Meringur will open Saturday’s grand final netball proceedings at 9am.

This will be followed by Bambill battling Gol Gol for 18 and under MFNL premiership glory.

The Saints charged through the regular season dropping just one game all year while recording 14 wins.

They locked in a grand final berth two weeks ago with a 12 point victory against Cardross.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Gol Gol provide a more underdog feel good story taking the long route to the big dance after finishing the home and away season with eight losses.

They have eliminated both Nangiloc and Cardross by thin margins in the process.

Bambill will play Werrimull in C Grade while feeling quietly confident after defeating the Magpies two weeks ago in a qualifying final despite recording three less wins than them during the year.

The penultimate grand final netball game of the day sees yet another Saints team compete against Gol Gol in B Grade.

The Hawks won during their last meeting in the semi-finals by just a two goal deficit.