History repeats as Blues stumble to Eagles in Week 2

The stands were full at St Albans Reserve this afternoon as East Geelong secured its Grand Final berth with a win over Winchelsea. Photos: CHARLIE YOUNG

EAST Geelong Netball Club has defeated the rested minor premiers Winchelsea this afternoon (Saturday, September 2) in the Geelong & District Netball League Second Semi-Final to earn a Grand Final spot in two weeks’ time.

For back-to-back seasons, East Geelong has defeated Winchelsea in Week 2 of the GDNL finals to secure a Grand Final berth, after the Eagles surged late in the fourth quarter to claim victory over the Blues, 28-33.

Winchelsea looked ready to win its 16^th game of the campaign, taking the early first quarter lead 9-5.

The Blues continued to press down on the Eagles’ defensive third, inflating its advantage to 18-10 at half time.

East Geelong wing-defence Claudia Cook with the ball.

Emerging from the main break, the reigning premiers started its climb back to equal scores, cutting the deficit down to three goals at three-quarter-time.

East Geelong then shut down the Blues’ scoring third with its physical style of play in the fourth, a key factor in last week’s win over Werribee Centrals, to take the lead with minutes to spare in the final term.

The Eagles defence, led by goal-keeper Stephanie Boyce, limited Winchelsea’s shooters to less than a handful of goals in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Blues 4-12 and finishing five goals ahead at the final siren.

The Eagles now get the chance to go back-to-back after winning its first A Grade flag as a club only a year ago.

Winchelsea goal-attack Olivia Paatsch looks to the scoring third.

East Geelong’s scoring was divided three ways, split between Shannon Pietsch (16 goals), Jenelle Baker (11 goals), and Alicia Kelton (six goals), while the Blues did the same sharing the offence between Melody Philpott (15 goals), Olivia Paatsch (11 goals), and Ebony Berg (two goals).

Boyce, Baker and Sarah Perrott were listed best-on-court for the Eagles. Paatsch, Katrina Biscan, and Margaret Webb medalist Gemma Stavenuiter made noted contributions for Winchelsea.

Winchelsea will play the winner of tomorrow’s First Semi-Final between Werribee Centrals and Thomson next Saturday (September 9). East Geelong will get a bye in Week 3 of the finals.