IN the C Grade second semi-final it took overtime to separate East and South Gambier and it almost fell that way again, were it not for a clutch goal from Bek Tilley seconds from the final whistle to ensure the Demons successfully defended their Western Border netball title.
It was a tense opening quarter with both sides playing patient netball in attack and finishing accurately.
Jaymee O’Neil was the playmaker, while Naomi Aston drove hard, ensuring the Demons capitalised on some good defensive pressure from Rachael Bryant and Charlene Riley.
However, East stayed in touch as Emma Thompson found plenty of ball and Zena Creek showed her usual patience with delivery.
South enjoyed a two-goal lead at the first break and the arm wrestle continued in the second.
Accuracy was again the key for the Bulldogs with Thompson and Dani Waters combining for 10-from-14 in the quarter, while South had a lion’s share of possession, but were not as polished on the finish.
Nicola Smith and Sarah Hurrell were able to apply more pressure in the second and Georgia Quick also gained some touches and presented well in transition.
As a result the Bulldogs kept the margin to two at the main break.
However, Anna Kate Kosch provided a great target for South in that quarter and with some good ball from Emily Harvey, the Demons held their nerve.
The third quarter was intriguing with South working its way out to a an eight-goal lead at one stage before East fought back late with critical turnovers that Waters and Thompson converted and the margin remained two at the final change.
The lead changed numerous times in the final quarter as errors came from both teams.
Tilley was the focal point of the South shooting circle and O’Neil and Aston worked hard out front to ensure Tilley received plenty of ball in good shooting position.
In the end, a couple of strong rebounds from Bryant turned the tide at exactly the right time and Tilley was able to sink a buzzer-beating winner.
Final score: South Gambier 42 d East Gambier 41
