WANGARATTA tuned up for its first finals appearance in more than two decades with a barnstorming second half to down Wodonga by 18 goals on Saturday.
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The Magpies trailed by a goal at half-time but roared into action after the break to run away with a 61-43 victory and secure the double chance.
The Magpies, who finished narrowly ahead of fourth-placed North Albury, will play their first post-season match since 1995 when they meet Lavington in Saturday’s qualifying final at the Albury Sportsground and coach Lou Byrne said there excitement in the camp.
“We were really wanted that win, the girls were really hungry because they wanted to stay in third spot and get that double chance,” she said.
“The girls are very excited to be part of it because it’s been a long time.”
Amanda Umanski was on fire in attack with 50 goals on Saturday while Issy Byrne was instrumental in shutting down Bulldogs prime mover Sarah Thomas as the Magpies overpowered last season’s premiers.
Byrne said Wodonga provided stiff competition ahead of the Magpies’ showdown with the Panthers.
“The Bulldogs are like that, they chip away at you and they can cause you to make some errors,” she said.
“We played really tight, one-on-one in the second half and that’s probably what won it for us.”
In other matches, Lavington was made to work for their nine-goal win over Wangaratta Rovers. The Hawks trailed by just four goals at the final change before Klara Glaw and Sarah Meredith got the Panthers home 50-41.
The Rovers will meet North Albury in the elimination final after the Hoppers accounted for Wodonga Raiders 46-34.
Minor premier Yarrawonga eased past Albury 55-28 while Corowa-Rutherglen scored a 30-goal win over Myrtleford.