PYRAMID Hill has set up another epic A Grade netball clash with reigning premiers Mitiamo after a hard-fought qualifying final win over Newbridge.
The Maroons, who finished three games behind the Bulldogs after the home-and-away season, took it right up to their opponents in the first half in front of a big crowd at Marist College.
The margin was just a goal in Pyramid’s favour at the main break but with Jess Holdstock in top shooting form, the Bulldogs pulled away to win by 16 goals, asserting their dominance with a 20-9 last quarter.
Holdstock’s height and shooting accuracy always presented a challenge to Newbridge’s undersized defenders, who fought bravely, but inevitably the dam wall broke.
Unbeaten Mitiamo, which had a week off after topping the ladder, has beaten the Bulldogs twice this season, but the most recent meeting saw just two goals between the sides.
Earlier in the year the Superoos won by 10 goals but clearly Pyramid Hill provides their strongest challenge in the competition.
The clash at Serpentine promises to be one for the ages.
Last year the two clubs met on the same weekend, with the Bulldogs emerging as victors.
BRIDGEWATER ended Marong’s season with a last-quarter surge that saw a tense battle appear clearer cut than it really was.
In bitterly cold and drizzly conditions on Mitiamo’s courts, Bridgey’s18-8 final term proved the difference between the sides.
The Panthers were always playing catch up but trailed by only two goals at the final change of ends.
Bridgewater’s bustling wing attack Olivia Hoiles provided a constant threat in mid court, with her clean ball handling and speed on the slippery surface a standout.
Bridgewater will now come up against Newbridge in the first semi-final to be played at Marong on Sunday, with the winner to play the loser of the Mitiamo-Pyramid Hill match.
For the loser of Bridgey versus Newbridge, it’s season over.
In a remarkable club effort, all of Marong’s teams in Loddon Valley netball and football made the finals, with only the A Grade and B Reserve teams now out of premiership contention.