DUNNSTOWN has sent Bungaree crashing from the Central Highlands Netball League A-grade finals series in straight sets.
The Towners, who finished the season in fifth spot on the ladder, clinched a thrilling one-goal win over the Demons in Saturday’s home semi final. An ecstatic Dunnstown co-coach Leesa Battistello said her team had to fight hard for the victory, and was spurred on after wing defence Hannah McElgunn went down with a serious knee injury in the third quarter.
“After that we lifted a bit for her, I think,” she said.
“We were up by four goals in the last quarter and we only won by a goal. Bungaree fought until the end and never let it slip. We were pretty lucky to come out of it with a win.”
The result sets up a preliminary final showdown with reigning premiers Hepburn this Sunday.
“We are so excited. We’ve had a really up-and-down season this year. It has been a little bit tricky with people being unavailable and we’ve had lots of injuries,” Battistello said.
“We’re are definitely playing our best netball for the whole year. It’s taken us a long time to click.”
Battistello said her team was well aware of the challenge that awaits, but would confront the clash against the Burras with a “nothing to lose” attitude.
Waubra fended off a gallant Buninyong to win the other semi final yesterday.
The Roos, who were beaten in last year’s grand final, won the clash 45-43 at home. Coach Kelly Amoore and her charges now prepare for minor premiers Springbank in the first of the preliminary finals on Saturday.