IN an entertaining A Grade clash, Tantanoola has earned the right to progress deeper into the Mid South East netball finals series with a 53-44 victory over Mount Burr.
The first semi-final was a physical encounter, with neither team prepared to give an inch, while both team’s goalies settled quickly and shot with accuracy.
Emma Gould started strongly at GS for the Tigers, holding well and finishing off with great footwork and shooting, in a strong battle with Mount Burr GK Maddi Haggett.
Sarah Nulty was prominent at the attacking end for Mount Burr, her speed and agility creating plays in the circle, with the good work finished off accurately by her and Ebony Clark.
Mount Burr went into the quarter time break with a one-goal advantage then appeared to step up the tempo in the second term.
Nulty continued to be a problem for Kate Bromley and Mount Burr’s defensive pressure also increased, which forced errors from Tantanoola.
Gould continued to be strong in the circle, while Heidi Clark was impressive on Jami Walker, not allowing her into the game, with Gould doing the majority of the shooting.
In the later part of the second quarter, Tantanoola picked up the intensity with Vic Lucas coming into the game and gaining crucial turnovers for the Tigers.
Mount Burr held the advantage by two goals at the main break.
At the start of the third quarter, the Mozzies again started strong and forced the Tigers into more errors.
Ava Smith-Muhovics and Laura Schultz were patient around the ring for Mount Burr, often faking passes in to keep Bromley and Tayla Rowe guessing.
Ebony Clark held well and gained plenty of possession, but late in the term there was a momentum swing as the Tigers scored four quick goals, with the game then tied up at 35-all at the final break.
At the start of the final stanza the wind began to have an effect, as the Mount Burr goalies missed crucial goals which Tantanoola capitilised on.
Gould was prominent from the start of the quarter and the Tigers started to claim the ascendancy.
Jami Walker came into the game eight goals without a miss for the quarter.
About half-way through the last quarter, Heidi Clark called time and came off, succumbing to a knee injury.
Heidi Eldridge replaced Clark and tried to get into the game which proved difficult with the momentum well and truly with the Tigers.
Tantanoola piled on 18 goals in the last quarter, while the Mozzies could only manage eight, with the final result worthy of a final.
In other games, Port MacDonnell booked a preliminary final berth with a 51-31 win over Tantanoola in the A Reserve semi-final.
In B Grade Tantanoola claimed a 49-32 win over Hatherleigh, while in B Reserve Glencoe was too strong for Port MacDonnell with a 52-39 victory.
In the juniors, Mount Burr put in a dominant display to easily account for Robe 57-24, Kalangadoo claimed a 52-28 win over Port MacDonnell in the 15 and Under, while in the 13 and Under Mount Burr claimed the honours over Nangwarry 36-23.
