In the first qualifying final of the Picola District Football League finals campaign, Waaia delivered yet another win to the bank – but this time with the reward of a preliminary final ticket.
Berrigan was spirited nevertheless, but the Bombers know they belong on the big stage, and proved so in a comfortable victory.
It was an even first patch of the contest at Katandra, with Berrigan outscoring Waaia on shots on goal in the opening term, but the Bombers capitalised on their opportunities to lead 5.1 (31) to 3.4 (22) at quarter-time.
The red and black then clicked into the gear that saw them claim the minor premiership without challenge, nailing another six goals in the second term to Berrigan’s two to establish a 34-point half-time buffer.
Waaia continued to put the pedal to the medal through the third term, dragging the lead out to an eight-goal margin by three-quarter time, before lightly stepping off the gas in the final term to cruise to victory, 18.7 (115) to 9.10 (64).
In Sunday’s double-chance battle, Katamatite defeated Katandra in a thrilling nine-point victory.
The 10.12 (72) to 9.9 (63) result was goal for goal and behind for behind in the dying stages, but the Tigers held firm to book a week’s break and a spot in the penultimate week of the season.
It was a defiant efforts from the Kats, who a fortnight ago lost by 51 points to their finals opponent.
The results set up an intriguing week of semi-finals this week too, with Berrigan to play fifth-placed Deniliquin and Katandra to play Tungamah.
Neither side have played each other since the opening month and a half of the season, presenting match-ups that could go any which way by the final siren.
In the netball, top-of-the-table Deniliquin cruised by Tocumwal by 21 goals, while in the Sunday fixture Katandra crushed Katunga by 19, despite both sides entering the match with equal home and away records.
Katunga will have the opportunity to rebound against Dookie United, while Tocumwal is up against Katamatite.
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