James Murphy
KONGORONG 8.3 (51) d SOUTH GAMBIER 3.2 (20)
KONGORONG will meet Kybybolite in the 2023 Limestone Coast women’s football consolation final after a solid win over South Gambier.
The Hawks met the Demons at Vansittart Park for the preliminary final B match, which started as an arm wrestle.
The first half was a tight tussle, with South kicking a goal in the opening term to lead by six at the first change.
Kongorong returned fire in the second, while the Demons found the big sticks again as intensity levels soared.
At half time scores were locked at 13-all.
The stage seemed set for another close half of football, but a resurgent effort from the Hawks had them add three unanswered goals in the third term to secure a handy lead with one quarter to go.
Evie Sealey was in impressive form and her presence was made known when it counted.
She led by example and at the end of the day finished up with a game-high four goals and the best-on-ground honours.
Another three Kongorong goals in the final stanza wrapped things up neatly, while South managed just one major score in the fourth to fall 31 points short at the siren.
Riley Buckingham was another prominent performer for the Hawks and she was named second best, while Jade Longbottom, Zara Dirk, Taylor Cozzi and Sheree Ailey were also among the top players on the day.
Cozzi’s efforts rewarded her with three goals, while Kate Wright also found the big sticks for the victors.
Once again it was Sophie Wight who was at the top of the Demons’ best players list.
She has had a solid season and has appeared in South’s best in all 10 games for 2023, which included an impressive five best-on-ground performances.
Emily Pridham and Jarrah Altschwager also featured prominently on Sunday, with the latter kicking two goals.
Rounding out the best was Leonie Robertson and Chloe Lines, while Bailey Broome kicked one goal for the Demons.
It is now the end of the line for South, while Kongorong will face a final test in the consolation grand final.
The Hawks are primed to take on Kybybolite in what looms as a challenge after their Round 5 meeting produced an 86-point victory to the Tigers.
Firstly, all teams will enjoy a week off for the Easter Long Weekend, prior to the big games on April 16.
