THE stage is set for an intriguing Mid South East Netball Association first semi-final at Tantanoola with both Glencoe and Port MacDonnell claiming a win against one another in 2017.
The Demons took the first game by a solitary goal, but the Murphies came out firing in their second encounter to win by 16 and as a result will come into the do-or-die final as favourites.
Port MacDonnell has been in patchy form of late and it will need to improve if it has the desire to play off in the preliminary final.
Glencoe’s Jenna Paproth and Cailtin Liebich are a formidable defensive combination.
The duo will force Kahli Rolton and Sophie Roach to work hard for every shot.
Jordy Jones has relished the opportunity to step up into the A Grade this season and will do her best to deny Toni Gilmore easy access to the circle’s edge.
An intriguing battle between centres Alyce Finnis (Glencoe) and Alyssa Boylan (Port MacDonnell) will take place.
Both do not give an inch when it comes to defensive pressure and will work hard for the full four quarters to be attacking options.
Jess Trench has made the defensive wing her own for Port MacDonnell this season, but will have a tough assignment stopping Lisa McKay.
Trench will step up her defensive pressure on the circles edge to assist Megan Hein and Brooke Hawkins.
Hein and Hawkins have become a formidable defensive duo, but they are up against one of the best goalie combinations in the association.
Ebony McDiarmid and Chantelle Weir use their height to hold well in the circle and rarely miss an opportunity at goal.
If Port MacDonnell can find its form from earlier in the season this match could come down to the wire.
However, if the Demons fail to compete for the full four quarters, it will be Glencoe advancing to the preliminary final in a fortnight’s time.
