LAVINGTON is in the box seat to win its third Ovens and Murray A-grade premiership after edging out Yarrawonga 35-33 in a tense second semi-final at Birallee Park on Saturday.
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With three or less goals separating the teams at every change, the Panthers held firm in a tight finish to book a berth in the grand final.
The club’s previous two flags came in 1998 and 2013.
Coach Tamara Mathews said the match lived up to her expectations.
“The girls knew they would have to fight it out after playing them a couple of weeks ago and going down by one,” Mathews said.
“I thought we fought it our really well.
“It was a good win and we’re looking forward to the week off as the girls are fairly sore from a really hard game.”
Lavington led by three goals at half-time but faded in the third quarter as Pigeon duo Hannah Symes and Laura Davis led a comeback.
They piled on 13 goals to eight for the term and give them all the momentum.
But Lavington refused to accept defeat and ran out the match superbly with Emily Browne and Rhiannon Dolahenty in everything.
“Rhiannon had a huge job on Bridget Cassar,” Mathews said.
“She was outstanding.
“I don’t think there was a rebound we missed.
“We knew we had to do a good job there and our defence stood up for us.
“I thought Emily Brown and Laura Bourke had a fantastic battle too.
“Both sides have fast, athletic playing styles and it feels good to get the win.”
Lavington’s victory will give it a huge shot of confidence as Yarrawonga defeated the Panthers in their two home and away showdowns.
In the first semi-final at John Foord Oval on Sunday, North Albury proved a class above Wangaratta, winning 57-41.
The Hoppers came out blazing to lead by seven goals at the first change and never looked back.
Grace Senior capped off a best on court performance with 42 goals while Nakita Singe continued her impressive season with another strong display.
Jordan Farrugia also played well.
Wangaratta outscored its opponents in the final term with Katie Dean and Hannah Grady in the thick of the action.
The young Hoppers will face their biggest test this season at Wangaratta’s Norm Minns Oval on Sunday when they take on a wounded Yarrawonga.
They lost their home and away clashes 52-37 and 57-46.
Sunday’s draw is:
A grade: Yarrawonga v North Albury at 2pm
B grade: Albury v Yarrawonga at 12.30pm
C grade: Lavington v Yarrawonga at 11am
Under 16: Wangaratta v North Albury at 9.30am
