The 2012 reigning premier comfortably won in all three rinks against the number-two side and last year’s runner-up Avenue, with an overall score of 84-44. 

Smeaton defeated Daylesford in the other semi-final, also in three rinks, 87-64. Daylesford is now out of the competition and Smeaton takes on Avenue next week for the second spot in the final. 

Central Wendouree match committee chair Elizabeth Kierce said it was a huge relief to have secured their spot in the finals.

“It can sometimes be difficult, though, as we don’t have a competitive match in between, so we’ll have a practice match at our own club next Monday,” Kierce said. 

Although the win was comfortable, Kierce said the conditions were extremely difficult. 

“The heat was strong and it was extremely blustery – but it just comes down to how you handle the conditions on the day,” she said. 

“The rink I played in finished 20 shots up, and I couldn’t believe it.”

Kierce played in Jill Kenyon’s rink, which defeated Doreen Connell 31-11.

“Kay Geddes’ rink didn’t score until about the sixth end, so were eight shots down – we kept looking over and seeing they weren’t on the board yet,” Kierce said.

“But Heather Hopkinson’s rink scored an eight on the second or third end, which is just remarkable.”

Hopkinson won against D Cook 28-15 and Geddes’ rink defeated Marie Russell 24-18.

Russell said they were just out-bowled on the day. 

“They played well overall, and we were just outclassed,” Russell said. 

Although they lost the day, Russell said she’s confident Avenue will beat Smeaton next week.

“I think we’ll meet Central Wendouree again in the finals,” Russell said. 

“We’ve beaten them a few times before, and nobody’s unbeatable, so who knows.”