C GRADE – EAST GAMBIER 46 d SOUTH GAMBIER 45 – OVERTIME
THE C Grade second semi final went into overtime and so did the grand final between the same two teams – South Gambier and East Gambier.
The scripts were eerily similar in that each team had plenty of chances to secure the win in regulation time but just could not nail the killer blow.
In the second semi final East fought back from an eight-goal deficit to force the game into overtime.
This time it was the Demons in trouble and not only did they get back to level pegging but worked their way to a two-goal lead with the centre pass to come.
East was not done with though and fired off three goals to force the match into the extra 14 minutes of play.
Again, it was South earning the early centre pass break and holding on to lead by two after the first period of extra time.
However, some passing errors had East wrestle momentum and end up on the right side of the scoreboard by one goal.
Reigning association best and fairest Brooklyn Jean was best on court as she consistently denied the South feeders easy access to their shooters.
The pressure from Grace Ferguson on the defensive wing and the strong work in the shooting circle from Megan Wilson and Millie Button was also critical – as was the composure of Zena Creek.
In the tense last quarter and overtime Ella Egan and Alannah Clayton finished accurately and enjoyed some good delivery from Brooke Winterfield, while Chelsea Dunn kept her side in the hunt the entire contest as she got some important touches and rebounded strongly.
Teenager Shana Grassi also had an impact when she entered the game for the Demons at goal defence, while some late pick-ups from Jade Jennings and her work rate in transition was also critical.
But in the end, East was ahead when it counted most – the final whistle of the season.
