Huntly got the best of Mount Pleasant in the A-reserve qualifying final. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Finals fights raged across the lower grades as the Heathcote District League grand finals beckoned for some sides, while others fought for their survival
LBU
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Two Lockington-Bamawm United sides are preparing for grand final showdowns after winning their way into the big dance this week.
The Cats’ 15-and-under netballers continued their perfect year in the qualifying semi-final, handily accounting for White Hills 57-42 at Colbinabbin Recreation Reserve.
The Demons still have a second chance, next taking on Huntly for a shot at LBU in the decider.
The Cats’ 13-and-under side has had a similarly dominant season, maintaining its unbeaten run with victory over Colbinabbin, 18-15.
LBU’s B-grade side had less success against Mount Pleasant, falling 55-46 to end its season.
In football, the Cats’ reserves were sent home 11.3 (69) to 7.5 (47) by Huntly, but the thirds fight on after a 16.10 (106) to 7.0 (42) win over Heathcote.
Sarah Chalmers takes possession for Mount Pleasant.
Mount Pleasant
Following the lead of its seniors, the mighty Mounts’ reserves also took down minor premier North Bendigo to advance to the final day.
Mount Pleasant got the job done in convincing fashion, 12.5 (77) to 5.10 (40), and will await either a return game against the Bulldogs or Huntly in the decider.
Mount Pleasant’s Meg Banfield reels in the loose ball.
In netball, the Mounts’ A-reserve side fell to Huntly, 53-48, and will now have to fight back into contention against Colbinabbin.
In B-grade, Mount Pleasant eliminated LBU 55-46, moving on to battle Huntly.
B-reserve saw the Mounts recover from a surprise defeat last week to knock out North Bendigo 47-36.
The side now encounters White Hills, which defeated it last week, in the preliminary final.
In 17-and-under, Mount Pleasant went down heavily to minor premier Huntly 52-25.
The side will need to recover quickly for a preliminary final meeting with White Hills.
Madalyn Nihill fires for goal for Mounts.
Colbinabbin
Colbo’s A-reserve unit will fight for a place in the grand final this Saturday against arch-rival Mount Pleasant after securing a 10-goal victory to end White Hills’ season in the first semi-final.
The Grasshoppers created solid enough distance from the Demons at Lockington Recreation Reserve to tally a 55-45 victory.
If Colbo was to win the preliminary final, it would face Huntly on the Hawks’ home deck of Strauch Reserve in the grand final.
The 13-and-under Grasshoppers will also feature in a preliminary final on Saturday, coming up against Elmore after losing against Lockington-Bamawm United in the second semi-final.
While the 18-15 defeat was narrow, it will give Colbo the confidence to defeat the Bloods on their home deck on Saturday and progress to the grand final.
Elmore
A young netball outfit is the only remaining hope for the Bloods after this week’s fixtures.
The 15-and-under side fell to Huntly 38-19, ending its campaign.
It will be up to the 13-and-under squad to fly the Elmore flag, the team staying alive and eliminating Leitchville-Gunbower 25-19.
Next up for the Bloods is Colbinabbin, with the winner of next week’s preliminary final to battle the unbeaten LBU in the decider.
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