SOUTH Warrnambool jumped out of the blocks at the start of the semi-final clash in the Western Victoria Female Football League on Sunday evening to defeat Tyrendarra in the senior women’s match up 16.10 (106) to 0.1 (1).

An eight-goal start to the game by South Warrnambool set the scene for a decisive victory with the Darras unable to get back in the game on the scoreboard after the first quarter.

To Tyrendarra’s credit they were able to stem the opposition scoring after some strong words from coach Tim Hiscock at the first break.

Hiscock implored his troops for more effort and endeavour, the team certainly lifted with the tackle count certainly improving.

Leading this improved effort were Mollie Reed and Rachel Hansen who attacked their opponents with a renewed intensity.

Talking with a candid Hiscock post-game reinforced the stark differences between the two sides.

“South, we know are a more skilful side who make the most of their opportunities. They didn’t hesitate in their attack on the ball, we tended to be more reactive early,” he said.

The loss brings and end to Tyrendarra’s season while South Warrnambool will now look to rectify a loss in last year’s grand final when they take on Horsham in the big dance.

For Tyrendarra, their best on the day were Hansen, Kylie Nunn, Sarah Pedrazzi, Reed, Claire McKenna and Paije Rose-Maher.

Looking to next year Hiscock had a positive outlook for the Darras.

“We had a number of new players this year who are in an age bracket where they should see some rapid improvement,” he said.

“Heidi Jones is one example of that. We had nearly 40 players participate over the year, with a more consistent commitment to training and playing I am confident the women’s program at Tyrendarra could take the extra steps needed.”

• In the other semi-final it was Horsham who knocked out reigning premiers Hamilton Kangaroos with an 8.5 (53) to 5.4 (34) win on Sunday.

After an even opening quarter the Demons led the charge, extending a solid lead out at half time and continuing consistent scoring efforts to earn the win.

So close for young Tigers

In a game that could have gone either way in the run home to the final siren Hamilton Kangaroos kept their nose in front of Portland to take out the under-15 semi-final held at Reid oval early Sunday morning, 3.1 (19) to 2.4 (16).

After an impressive season from the young Portland side, Hamilton got the jump on them early with the Tigers fighting hard to stay in the match but just couldn’t close the three-point margin in the late stages of the game.

Portland’s under-15 coach Darren Jacobson said the game was in the balance right up to the final siren.

“The girls worked hard all day, it was not a matter of effort, a bit of luck with a few balls bouncing the right way and we could have had a grand final berth,” he said.

“In the end Hamilton had a bit more polish in terms of skill, especially with their goal kicking.”

Hamilton had less shots on goal (four) compared to Portland (six), but they made the most of their opportunities. Stella Trickey and Gracie Piergrosse were the goal scorers for Portland while Annika Baker, Lou Impey, Ava Jacobson were also mentioned by their coach as solid contributors.

• In the other under-15 semi-final North Warrnambool Eagles continued their dominant season with an 8. 12 (60) to 0.0 (0) win against Koroit.

Cavendish defeats top two to make grand final

In the under-18 competition, Cavendish has defeated one of the two dominant forces in Terang-Mortlake to move into this week’s grand final.

It was a 6.5 (41) to 3.9 (27) win for the Bloods who pulled off the stunning upset.

Cavendish will face powerhouse side South Warrnambool who won their spot in the grand final after defeating Horsham, 12.15 (87) to 1.0 (6).