Elmore’s resurgence continued, the Bloods now heading for a preliminary final.
Elmore’s remarkable run in the Heathcote District Netball League has continued, while Colbinabbin remains the hot favourite for the championship, heading to another grand final.
White Hills v Elmore
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At the midway point of the season, Elmore was 2-7.
Now the Bloods find themselves in a preliminary final after sneaking past White Hills 45-44 in an elimination semi-final.
The Demons had posted a superior 11-5 record, to the Bloods 8-8, but went down in the last meeting by nine goals, and knew they had to bring their best to deal with the resurgent Elmore side.
At the neutral venue of Toolleen Recreation Reserve on Sunday, White Hills came out of the gates with purpose, opening up a 12-9 quarter-time lead, which they extended further to five goals at the half.
But Elmore was not to be denied, outscoring the opposition 13-7 in the third to seize the lead by a goal and, although it was neck and neck down the stretch, the Bloods held firm for a one-goal win.
Despite the impressive recent form, Elmore will still go into the preliminary final a heavy underdog, facing up to a Mount Pleasant side that has only lost three times this year, all to now grand finalist Colbinabbin.
Colbinabbin v Mount Pleasant
Colbinabbin will defend its A-grade crown on grand final day after winning its way in at the weekend.
Earlier, on Saturday, the Grasshoppers punched their grand final ticket in style, continuing to look an unstoppable force as they rolled through Mount Pleasant 66-47.
The Mounts will take some heart from a competitive first half where they were right in the game.
Colbo led only 14-11 at quarter-time and Mount Pleasant shaved one off that margin in the second to trail 28-30 at the main break.
But the Hoppers would find another gear after half-time, extending the lead to eight at the final change and really turning it on in the fourth to finish 19 goals clear.
Colbinabbin heads to another grand final on September 5, awaiting the preliminary final winner between Mount Pleasant and Elmore this Saturday.
Both the prelim and grand final will be held at Strauch Reserve at Huntly.
