Waroona booked their spot in the Peel Football and Netball League’s netball grand final with a booming win over Rockingham in their second semi final at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre over the weekend.
The Demons were supreme across the entire four-quarter span, breaking away early and building on their lead to snap Rockingham’s seven-game win streak and punch their ticket to an early grand final berth.
By the end of the first the Demons held a steady seven-point lead, and at half time they were out to 13 in front.
Rockingham did their best to show why they finished second but ultimately fell short of clawing back into the contest, with Waroona storming to a 70-45 win with Donnelle Wallam’s 61 goals playing a huge part for the squad.
The win gives Waroona a week off and ensures the reigning premiers will have the chance to defend their crown in a grand final, while Rockingham’s loss puts them into a do-or-die clash with Pinjarra.
The Tigers enter that game on the back of a win in their elimination match with Baldivis over the weekend.
Pinjarra was emphatic in the second half, breaking away from a spirited Brumbies outfit on their way to a 55-41 win.
Only four points separated the two heading into the second half, but the Tigers showed their class to edge their way to a victory.
They now hit the road travelling to the Mike Barnett Sports Complex for the sudden death game with the Rams.
Reserves
Waroona’s reserves have also booked a spot in their grand final, thanks to an enthralling win over what was an undefeated Rockingham side.
The Rams went into the game with a squeaky-clean record but the Demons brought that to an end with a four-point victory.
A neck-and-neck battle throughout had the teams separated by just two points heading into the final term, but the Demons managed to hold Rockingham at bay for a 46-42 win.
Meanwhile South Mandurah’s reserves kept their premiership hopes alive with a thumping 62-27 win over Pinjarra.
The Falcons will now face the Rams for a spot in the grand final.
Open
South Mandurah’s opens team also enjoyed success in the first round of the finals, toppling minor premiers Halls Head to cruise into a week off and an early grand final berth.
The Falcons were forced to hold off a determined Lightning outfit, as their 12-point lead at three quarter time went into jeopardy as Halls Head threatened to come back and win.
But the Southies settled and netted a 43-38 victory, condemning Halls Head to a preliminary final clash with Pinjarra.
The Tigers toppled Rockingham 50-46 in another thriller, ending the Rams’ season.
Preliminary final fixtures
Friday, August 10
League
Rockingham v Pinjarra – Mike Barnett Sports Complex – 8pm
Reserves
Rockingham v South Mandurah – Mike Barnett Sports Complex – 6.30pm
Open
Halls Head v Pinjarra – Mike Barnett Sports Complex – 8pm
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
