Mt Pleasant will need to do it the hard way after falling in overtime to White Hills. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
The Heathcote District Netball League finals began at the weekend, and the opening round didn’t disappoint in A-grade, with both fixtures requiring overtime to resolve.
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Mt Pleasant will be feeling hard done by heading into an elimination final next week, a heroic comeback falling short against White Hills in the qualifying final.
The Demons looked as if they would advance at a canter during the first half, leading by seven and eight goals at the first two intervals.
However, the Mighty Mounts refused to say die, chopping two off the lead in the third, before surging home in the final period to level the scores at 47 at the final whistle.
With only one spot available in the grand final qualifier, against Colbinabbin, overtime was needed to find a winner.
Having been out of sorts for the last half-hour, White Hills finally steadied in the extra term, winning overtime 8-5 and moving on 55-52.
The Demons have the unenviable task of taking on the unbeaten Grasshoppers on their home ground, the fixture scheduled for Colbinabbin Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
Elmore departed the HDNL A-grade in an overtime thriller with Huntly.
For Mt Pleasant, the heartbreaking loss doesn’t signal the end of its campaign, the Mighty Mounts staying alive to battle Huntly in Lockington on Sunday.
Elmore vs Huntly
The Hawks progressed over the higher-ranked Elmore, although both sides went in evenly matched, with only half a game separating them on the ladder.
Huntly had the better of the opening period, leading by five goals at the first break.
Elmore chipped one off the lead by halftime, but the Hawks restored a lead of seven going into the last.
The Bloods made their move in the final period, but could only draw level at 40 by the end of regulation.
The extra period was equally tight, but Huntly escaped with the win, 47-46.
The Hawks will play Mt Pleasant at Lockington Recreation Reserve on Sunday in another elimination contest.
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