Emily Laracy and Sophie Hanrahan playing against Mia Lavis and Taylor Donelan in the A Grade showdown.
A Grade
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Corowa Rutherglen 42 def by Wodonga Raiders 44.
The A Grade qualifying final between the Roos and Raiders on Saturday was always destined to be a tough and evenly matched contest, with the teams splitting their two previous encounters this season.
Sitting equal first on the ladder with Yarrawonga, very little separated the top four sides.
Momentum swung both ways across the four quarters, with neither team able to break away by more than three goals at the breaks.
Tamir Richardson and Sophie Hanrahan guard the defensive end of the court in the A Grade.
Raiders held a narrow lead after the first quarter, while the Roos took time to settle before finding their rhythm. By half-time, the sides were locked in a goal-for-goal battle, with shooter Lou Madden maintaining 100% accuracy.
The third quarter was defined by strong Roos defensive pressure. Sophie Hanrahan and Emily Laracy forced repeated changes in Raiders’ shooting circle, holding them to just five goals for the quarter.
Heading into the final term, the Roos clung to a one-goal lead.
Raiders found another gear in the last, outscoring the Roos eight goals to four in the early stages.
With three minutes remaining, the Roos rallied, with Hanrahan, Laracy and Leah Keating working tirelessly in defence to create turnovers.
A Grade’s Lou Madden shooting alongside Sally Hunter.
The shooters capitalised quickly, reducing the margin to a single goal in the final minute.
Despite their late surge, the Roos fell just short, with the Raiders holding on for a two-goal win.
Raiders now advance to face Yarrawonga, while the Roos will regroup to meet Lavington Panthers in Sunday’s first semi-final.
Best on: Sophie Hanrahan, Leah Keating, Emily Laracy.
Roos B Grade power into semi final
Corowa Rutherglen 49 def Wodonga Raiders 41.
B grade’s Audrey Hogan in GD and Courtney Haigh in GK look to clear the ball from defense.
B Grade took to the court on Sunday in their elimination final against the Raiders. Having beaten Raiders twice this season by narrow margins, the Roos entered the contest with confidence and a mental edge.
Raiders started strongly, edging ahead by two goals in the opening quarter. Both sides showed great accuracy under the post, leaving little room for turnovers or rebounds.
In attack, Lisa French and Kiara combined smoothly in the circle, with sharp delivery from Kelsea and Sophie Arnold keeping the Roos in touch.
Lisa French shooting alongside Kiara Corkett who were strong in the goal circle for the B grade.
The second quarter proved decisive. Relentless defensive pressure from Courtney Haigh and Audrey Hogan, supported by Remy in wing defence, forced crucial turnovers. The Roos seized their opportunities, outscoring Raiders by six to take control of the game. From there, they never looked back.
Accurate shooting from Lisa, Kiara and Sophie extended the margin each term, while the defensive unit remained rock solid.
Jade Lane moves the ball into the attack in the B grade.
In the final quarter, Haigh stood tall with key intercepts and rebounds, transitioning the ball confidently into attack.
Tori Sampson added a burst of energy in wing attack during the second half, sparking the Roos’ midcourt drive.
The Roos finished with a convincing eight-goal victory and now advance to face North Albury in Sunday’s first semi-final.
Best on: Courtney Haigh, Tori Sampson, Lisa French.
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