Cougars qualify for Grand Final after upsetting Blaze

GEELONG Cougars upset North East Blaze on Wednesday last week to book a spot in the Grand Final of the Victorian Netball League under-23 competition.

The dream finals run continues for the Cougars after a thrilling match that went down to the last minute, eventually triumphing by one goal at the State Netball Centre.

After finishing fifth and beating the fourth-placed Bendigo Strikers in an Elimination Final, Geelong’s incredible momentum continued with taking the scalp of the Blaze, who finished atop the ladder and only lost one regular season match.

The Cougars got out to a 10-point lead at half time, but the Blaze clawed back the margin to just three at the final change.

It was looking like heartbreak as the Blaze took the lead in the 59th minute, but young gun Indi O’Connor was the eventual hero, scoring two goals in a matter of moments to secure the 53-52 victory at the 11th hour.

Goal shooter Eliza Dunell again led the way for the Cougars, scoring 39 goals, while O’Connor, 16, scored 14 goals.

Geelong will now have a week off, with the win making them the first team to secure a berth in the big dance.

Meanwhile, the Blaze have a second chance after the loss and faced Melbourne University Lightning on Wednesday this week, with the winner progressing through to take on the Cougars.

The Grand Final will be held at the State Netball Centre on Wednesday, August 13, at 6.50pm