ONLY extra time could separate Lake Boga and Balranald in a competitive and exciting first semi-final.
Balranald were able to get the job done in an extra five minutes after the whistle blew with the scores were tied on 41.
Roos playing coach Jess Parry said it was a relief when the game was finally over.
“At one stage Lake Boga had us on the back foot, and we really had to prove what we play for, show our heart and really get out there,” she said.
But for the losing side, it was a much different feeling after the match.
“It’s one of those emotional rollercoasters,” Magpies playing coach Anna Archie said.
“You are up and about so much on the court, and then you have that real down moment when that final whistle goes.”
The pressure riding on the elimination match was evident from the start, with both teams coming out hyped and hungry for a win.
Scores were tied at at the first break and at half-time, before Balranald sneaked ahead at three-quarter time by three goals.
The last quarter was intense, with a couple of small mistakes from the Roos allowing the Pies to edge ahead by a few goals. However, the Roos were not prepared to go down without a fight.
The Pies gave it their best shot in extra time, but while the Roos were riding on the high of coming back from behind, exhaustion kicked in for Lake Boga.
“We left everything out there,” Archie said.
“I couldn’t have asked for more from the girls.”
Balranald will go up against the Mallee Eagles this week to decide who will be taking on the Swans in the premiership match.
“Anyone is beatable – we just have to bring our best netball from here on in,” Parry said.
Final whistle
Balranald 51
Lake Boga 48
