Demons, Bombers into District league netball semi-final

TIMBOON Demons booked a place in next weekend's Warrnambool and District league first semi-final thanks to a strong elimination final victory over Kolora-Noorat at the Reid Oval yesterday. A promising start from the Power was quickly thwarted by an impressive first quarter performance by Demons' goal shooter Stephanie Jamieson. Timboon Demons expanded its 12-11 quarter-time lead to 24-18 by half-time and maintained a similar margin until the final siren. The final score saw the Demons win 43-36. Demons coach Jessica Millard said the game was difficult and wasn't made easier by yesterday's wet conditions. "It was a hard-fought game all over the court," she said. "They really gave it to us and we had to stand our ground. "The weather made it really physical but everyone put in a great effort."Millard admitted that after losing to Old Collegians the previous week by a single goal, her side needed to step up yesterday. "After last week, we knew we had to improve," she said. "I was happy that we won every quarter and held them to five goals."As the self-proclaimed underdogs of the match, Millard said the Demons never thought they had it in the bag during the game. Goal keeper Kathryn Rylance and goal defence Julia Millard were among the best players for Timboon Demons while Power goal attack netted 22 goals in the match. Kolora Noorat co-coach Sarah Madden struggled to pinpoint where her side's major strengths laid. "We played all right," Madden said. "We just got beaten by a better team on the day."It's always disappointing when you get knocked out in an elimination round."Timboon Demons progress to the first semi-final next Sunday where it will meet Panmure. The Bulldogs were no match for East Warrnambool on Saturday, with the Bombers charging to a 53-31 victory.Victorious coach Katie Burt conceded her side always felt comfortable."Our start probably said it all," she said. "We were up something like 16-4 at quarter-time."From a coach's point of view, I was really happy."The girls are continually trying to better themselves."East's convincing win booked it a second semi-final appointment with the undefeated Merrivale on Saturday."They are the top ones and we've known that all year because they've had a couple of good seasons," Burt said."The girls are keen to get back out there against them."We're hoping to have another good game."Burt's shooting partner and Bombers' co-captain Dee Jaynes was the standout on Saturday, netting 30 goals and displaying great leadership skills.