Lake Wendouree’s Kirsty Walsh and Melton’s Amy Conroy. compete for possession. PICTURE: MICHAEL COPP
MELTON has completed a stunning finals boilover.
The Bloods burst into their first Ballarat Football League A-grade netball grand final since 2008 with an upset three-goal win over powerhouse Lake Wendouree on Saturday.
Melton’s 42-39 semi-final triumph is even more remarkable considering the Lakers had won both the teams’ previous encounters this year by 26 goals and 59 goals.
Bloods coach Krista Woodroffe said a full-strength line-up helped turn around her side’s previous poor performances against the Lakers.
“Each time we’ve played them we haven’t played with our full side. They haven’t seen us with our full side.
“That played into our hands, really,” she said.
“I was just happy to be competitive. If we were within a few goals at the end I’d have been very happy, but to have the win is just a bonus.
“The club is really happy and the girls and I are ecstatic as well.
“I’ve never been in a senior final.”
Melton trailed the Lakers by two goals heading into the last quarter, but dug deep and outscored its opponents 11-6 to clinch the result.
The Bloods now get the chance to claim their first senior netball premiership since 2001.
They meet the winner of this Saturday’s preliminary final between Lake Wendouree and East Point.
The Kangaroos collected a 61-46 victory over Bacchus Marsh in yesterday’s clash at Eastern Oval to set up the encounter.
PRELIMINARY FINALS
Saturday at Eastern Oval
A GRADE: Lake Wendouree v East Point
B GRADE: East Point v Redan
C GRADE: East Point v Bacchus Marsh
UNDER-18.5: Lake Wendouree v Redan