Wodonga Raiders women rebound to down Wangaratta Rovers and reach grand final

After a tight first half, the Raiders put the foot down as the game wore on to record a 10.6 (66) to 0.4 (4) triumph and set up a date with Lavington in the grand final.

Raiders' defence stood tall throughout with Tahlia Purdie and Megan Nankervis outstanding on the last line, while Caitlin Reid, Hannah Neumayer, Skye Burgess and Meg Todhunter impressed.

Amber Jarrott and Sondra Prametley kicked two goals, with singles to Burgess, Alannah Grigg, Shannon Dale, Anastia Steyn, Kloe Mcelhinney and Destiny Dodd.

The minor premiers were challenged early as Rovers dominated field position, but Raiders struck the opening blow through Jarrott late in the first term.

Raiders extended the lead to 21 at the main break with Grigg and Steyn on target late in the quarter.

Rovers started the third term well, but lacked the finishing touches as two goals from Prametley and another to Burgess made it 38 points at the final change.

Three unanswered goals in the last quarter saw Raiders storm into the grand final.

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"It's an unusual environment we find ourselves in at the moment, but we've given ourselves an opportunity to win a premiership," Raiders' coach Terry Burgess said.

"They're a fairly contested team and like to put plenty of physical pressure on and get field position, so we had to absorb that and work our way through it."

Rovers' coach Rick Marklew was delighted to see how far his side has come.

"They (Raiders) are the best side in the comp. They had hiccup last week, but it doesn't hurt to lose a game through the year and get back on track," he said.

"We've got some girls who don't really understand the game but they're out here having fun and enjoying being part of the club.

"A big shout out to Matt Elliott from the league who has done a fantastic job with all the pressure from COVID."

Raiders defeated Wodonga in the under-14s, while the under-17s clash between Murray Felines and United was put on hold.

The Albury Wodonga Junior Football League preliminary finals were postponed due to the NSW lockdown.

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