A DOMINANT Warrnambool Football Netball Club outfit secured a spot in the Western Regional State League grand final last night after smashing Hampden league 57-26.
The Blues outclassed the Bottle Greens across the court and controlled the match from the first whistle. They will contest the final against Colac and District Football Netball League, which later last night defeated Colac and District 63-59 in an extra-time thriller.
Victorious playing coach Stacey O’Sullivan said her side was gaining momentum at the right time of the competition.
“It was probably the best match we’ve played this season,” she said. “We combined well and were patient with the ball.”
O’Sullivan directed her side from goal defence in the opening quarter.
Warrnambool centre Jacqui Bowman set the pace early but Hampden managed to sneak goals in between the Blues onslaught to trail 8-6 at quarter time.
“We played really well,” O’Sullivan said.
“We came out and the court was open, we had a really good feel. The score didn’t show it but we knew we always had control.”
The Blues strengthened in the second term and left Hampden struggling in their wake. Darcy Saunders and Sarah Hearn posted a massive 16-goal quarter for Warrnambool while Hampden only shot six.
O’Sullivan admitted the second term was the turning point of the match.
“We really broke away in the second quarter and continued to increase our lead,” she said.
“We were shooting really well and kept up the pressure.”
The centre court battle between Bowman and Meleita Finnigan intensified in the term with both players showing their class in contests.
O’Sullivan reigned in rebounds and kept Leah Kermeen at a comfortable distance from the post.
In the Blues’ attacking circle, Saunders continued to tower over the Bottle Green defenders, despite the best efforts of agile Holly Greene.
“The quality of netball was very high,” O’Sullivan said. “Unfortunately, towards the end (Hampden) realised they’d lost and it probably got a bit scrappier.”
Warrnambool went into the final term 40-19 ahead.
Hampden quickly put together two unanswered
goals but Saunders put a halt to the mini-break.
Bottle Green defender Jenny Walters caught the Blues napping in the closing minutes with an impressive intercept but her side failed to convert the surprise possession.
Instead, Warrnambool wing defence Jamie Barr and centre Liz Byrne carefully worked the ball down the court to accurate shooters Saunders and Hearn.
In the early 17 and under game, top side Hamilton accounted for Warrnambool City 40-29.
Results for the later game between Hampden and WFNC were not available last night.
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