NYAH Nyah West United A Reserve’s fairytale run has continued with a stunning preliminary final win over Tyntynder to qualify for the biggest match of the year.
This is the first time in 12 years a Demons netball side has qualified for the big dance, and they are doing it in emphatic fashion.
Their final hurdle for a chance at a premiership will be the Woorinen Tigers, but with a strong vicotry over the Bulldogs, 51-40, a double extra time win over the Swans and a elimination final win over Tooleybuc Manangatang, the Demons look confident.
What makes their journey even more remarkable is the fact they finished in fifth but just three per cent edging out the Mallee Eagles.
After their win at the weekend, coach Nola O’Shannassy was elated and said they are a chance.
“We got into fifth by percentage and have taken it to every team since,” she said.
“The girls have been amazing and kept their heads when we needed to. It was really good not to have to do it again this weekend in extra time, I guess confidence and having each other’s backs prepared for us and look how it finished.
“I believe in the girls, they just needed to believe in themselves. Finals is anyone’s game, and we are there.”
A large crowd gathered on the sidelines to watch the Demons on what proved to be an exciting day for the club.
The players appeared to be buoyed by the Nyah Nyah West United faithful who continuously screamed in support, allowing the players to go on with the job.
On the court, goal attack Samantha Cartwright once again led the attacking third, linking well with quick centre Shanae O’Meara and wing attack Louisa Curran to move the ball quickly.
Their attacking prowess wasn’t their only highlight, with defenders Gretchen Skinner and Kerri Curran putting a stop to much of the Bulldogs’ attack, and held their nerve against the much bigger Zoe Spence-Benfield.
Cartwright finished with 30 goals, while her shooting partners Lashay Kerr got 15 and Larraine Ralph picked up six on their way to 51 goals.
Bulldog shooters Jessica Weaver scored 12, Melanie Maher got 13 and Spence-Benfield picked up 15 goals.
