Winchelsea breaks through to Grand Final despite windy conditions

WINCHELSEA is locked in for this year’s Geelong & District Netball League (GDNL) Grand Final after a one-point thriller in today’s (Saturday, August 31) Second Qualifying Final against East Geelong.

Battling blistery conditions at St Albans Reserve, Winchelsea escaped with a 19-20 win over the Eagles to book its shot at a flag.

The Blues held a 3-5 lead at quarter time, and kept a steady rate of scoring in the second quarter.

Winchelsea had its nose in front at half-time, 7-10, but the Eagles quickly put the squeeze on in the third period.

East Geelong brought the deficit down to just one goal at 11-12 at three-quarter time with only six goals converted during the 15-minute stretch.

Scoring opened up in the fourth quarter, enthralling supporters as both sides raced to the finish line.

Both clubs split the share goals in the final quarter, 8-8, with Winchelsea just doing enough to squeeze out the one-goal win.

Shannon Pietsch’s 11 goals and Mary Waldron’s eight was not enough to get the Eagles over the line.

Ebony Berg’s six goals, Katrina Biscan’s six, Olivia Paatsch’s six and Katrina Filice’s two proved to be the difference on the day for Winchelsea.

Defender Gemma Stavenuiter, Zoe Tennant and Ebony Berg were listed best on court for the Blues, whereas Claudia Cook, Stephanie Boyce and Zoey Perovic received similar praise for East Geelong.

Winchelsea will enjoy the week off, while East Geelong faces the winner of tomorrow’s Semi-Final between Corio and Bannockburn in next Saturday’s Preliminary Final.