Lancefield reign in the rain

Lancefield’s Courtney Annett and Diggers Rest’s Jena Baboth. Picture Shawn Smits

Lancefield overcame Diggers Rest and the weather to seal a Riddell District Netball League semi-final spot.

The Tigers, who entered the match the higher ranked of the two teams, jumped out of the blocks in conditions that left even the keenest netballers running for cover.

There was hail and constant rain, while earlier games had been halted due to snow at Romsey Park.

A seven-goal first quarter-lead for the Tigers was decisive, with the Burras outscoring the Tigers by one goal over the next three quarters.

The Tigers won 38-32.

Tigers coach Alan Watson said the six-goal win was like a 12-goal win in dry conditions.

“It was really tough,” he said.

“It was blowing a gale at one stage and there was pools of water all over the court.”

Watson said it was at the defensive end where the game was a step up for his side.

“We controlled the game and our defence was outstanding,” he said.

“Olivia Pels and Anica Scherer repelled so many goals and dominated the game. We were so disciplined across the court.”

Salanoa and Courtney Annett finished with 19 goals apiece for the Tigers.

For the Burras, playing coach Amy Carroll was the best of the shooters with 23 goals.

The win gives the Tigers a shot at Romsey for a grand final berth, while the Burras have been knocked out.

Both the Tigers and Redbacks have double chances, with the winner to go through to the grand final and the loser to the preliminary final.

If past results are anything to go by, it should be a thriller. The past three games between the two sides have been decided by a total of four goals.

“We got ourselves into a positive position and I think we deserve it,” Watson said.

“Romsey will be red hot favourites. We’ve got nothing to lose and will treat it like any other match.”

Macedon will face Melton Centrals in the elimination semi-final.

The Tigers B-grade side had a 38-34 win against Romsey and will face Riddell in an elimination semi-final.

The C-grade side is out of the finals, losing to Macedon 33-20.