With Rumbalara already securing passage to the grand final, Saturday’s preliminary bout between Nathalia and Tongala was set up to see which of the challengers would move on to the big dance against the unbeaten reigning premier.
After an hour of slick netball, Nathalia has been confirmed as that team.
The Purples had the home advantage against the Blues, and made full use of it in a comprehensive 52-36 result in warm September conditions at Nathalia Recreation Reserve.
Nathalia was tested by Tongala in the first term, slowly striding out to a four goal buffer at the opening break.
The Purples kept it pushing throughout the second quarter, breaking the shackles and skirting away to a 27-20 advantage by half time.
But the third stanza was when Nathalia turned the screw.
Purples’ shooters Aimee Sidebottom and Helen Williams began dropping them in at an increased rate, causing havoc for the Tongala defenders and making it a foregone conclusion at three quarter time, leading 41-24.
Tongala returned serve in the last quarter in a desperate attempt to keep its season alive, and despite winning the final term 12-11, Nathalia’s earlier groundwork earned it the win.
Jacinta Todd and Tracey Brereton’s side now eyes off a bout with Rumbalara, a side it almost toppled two weeks ago.
Nathalia pushed the reigning champs for four quarters, but just fell at the final hurdle, losing 41-35 in the semi-final.
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