AN elusive grand final place is a step closer for the Mallee Eagles, who beat Balranald in the qualifying final at Woorinen on Saturday.
A quick start by a steady Eagles side put them in the lead early and they went into the first break five goals up.
The midcourt pressure from the Eagles appeared to peak at just the right time during the game, with Alicia Harvey and Tayla Anderson getting lots of possessions and tiring the Roos by making them work harder. By half-time, the Roos found themselves trailing by eight goals.
It was evident that the warm weather and intensity of the first three quarters caught up with the players on the court late in the game, with both the Eagles and the Roos making mistakes.
A few desperate turnovers from the Roos in the last few minutes put them right back in the game, but it was too late, with the Eagles taking home the win by five goals.
“We lacked intensity and voice, which makes it hard to regain a lead,” Roos playing coach Jess Parry said.
“The Eagles have a strong defensive game and we were a bit slow to adjust to that.”
Eagles shooter Kellie Walker was an instrumental part of her team’s win, barely missing a goal all game and continually going up for rebounds.
The Mallee Eagles will now go up against Swan Hill in Kerang on Saturday in the second semi-final.
“We played them in round 2 and they beat us by 12 goals,” Eagles coach Vicki McDonald said.
“But we played them again in round 12 and we beat them by seven.
“So it is going to be anyone’s game – finals are a different game.
“We will give it our best shot and go in prepared the best we can.”
Balranald will take on elimination final winners Lake Boga in Sunday’s first semi-final at Tyntynder. The last time the pair met, the result was a tie, so this week’s match is set to be a hotly contested and riveting contest for spectators.
Final whistle
Mallee Eagles 50
Balranald 45
