Centrals keep momentum with Semi win over Thomson

WERRIBEE will have a representative in this year’s A Grade Preliminary Final following Werribee Centrals’ 42-36 win over Thomson at St Albans Reserve yesterday (Saturday, August 28).

A strong third quarter proved to be the difference maker in the semi-final between the Centurions and the Tigers as Werribee used a 12-9 third term to extend its lead out to five with a quarter left.

Shooter Ellie Tubbs kept a cool head in the fourth alongside attacker Ellie Vincent, leading the charge to a final stanza and bringing home the six-goal win at the final whistle.

Tubbs finished the day with 25 goals and Vincent with 17, each earning best-on-court nominations in the process. Melissa Prismall was listed third in that list.

Emma Witham was Thomson’s leading scorer with 21. Rebecca Lebish and Shannyn Leach were solid despite the loss.

The Centurions’ prelim against Winchelsea next Saturday, September 3 will be a battle of regions with local netball talent from Wyndham and the Surf Coast on offer for spectators.

The winner will face East Geelong in the GDNL decider two weeks from now.

East Geelong remains dominant with double-digit win over Blues

East Geelong has locked in its spot in this year’s GDNL Grand Final after its 36-26 win over Winchelsea at St Albans Reserve Saturday (August 27).

A defensive showcase enthralled fans in attendance at the second qualifying final between the Eagles and the Blues.

Only 12 goals were scored in the opening quarter, but East Geelong gathered its footing to conclude the first half with a seven-goal lead.

The top two teams in the GDNL went back and forth, but the Eagles’ lead continued to expand as time went on.

Leading by eight goals at the final break and then eventually by 10 at the final whistle, East Geelong stuck to its guns to book its Grand berth.

The Eagles’ top goal-getters included Shannon Pietsch (18), Ashleigh Cushion (16) and Jenelle Baker (2).

For the Blues, Katrina Filice notched up 14 goals, Melody Philpott added 10 and Jenelle Baker put up an extra two.

Claudia Cook, Stephanie Boyce and Cushion were named best-on-court for the Eagles, while Gemma Stavenuiter, Casey Carroll, and Sharon Ford received the same recognition for Winchelsea.

Three sides remain in the race as the Blues face off with Werribee Centrals in the Preliminary Final next Saturday, September 3.