HAWKESDALE-MACARTHUR and Penshurst have earned places in the Mininera and District Netball Association finals with victories in the final round of the home and away season that keeps the 2023 season alive for each team.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur had sewn up its finals spot before the last round and will have the double chance after finishing third on the ladder and will play second placed Ararat at Silvester Oval on this Saturday, while the Bombers secured fifth place and will travel to Lake Bolac Recreation Reserve on Sunday to battle Woorndoo-Mortlake in the Elimination Final.

On Saturday the Bombers enjoyed a nine-goal win against Caramut at Penshurst Recreation Reserve, 36-27, in a game that may well have been a “banana skin” match that could have seen the home side slip up against the Swans but Penshurst controlled the game from the opening whistle to grab hold of the fifth rung of the premiership ladder and keep its season afloat.

Other games

HAWKESDALE-MACARTHUR travelled to Mininera Recreation Reserve to battle SMW Rovers knowing that it had already secured a finals spot but wanting to keep its good form flowing.

The Eagles were dominant in attack and finished 24 goals ahead of the Bulldogs, 71-47, to cement third spot on the ladder and the double chance in the finals.

Madison Kelly and Josephine Barker were best on court for the Bombers, but it must be slightly worrying that the Bulldogs posted 41 goals which in most games would have won the game.

If the Eagles want to fly further into the finals, then they must ensure its defence is better than the standard of its offence which is certainly running on all cylinders.

GLENTHOMPSON-DUNKELD posted 20 goals in the first term against Moyston-Willaura to set up a 28-goal victory at Glenthompson-Dunkeld Recreation Reserve, 58-30.

The Rams finished the last half of their season with a 5-3 win-loss record and displayed what might have been if this form had been evident in the first half of the season.

Chloe Frost and Jane Robertson were dynamic on Saturday to be named as best on court, but the club can look ahead to brighter things with this foundation for 2024.

TATYOON completed an undefeated home and away season with victory against Woorndoo-Mortlake at Woorndoo Recreation Reserve, 28-21.

The result shows just how close the finals series will be as the Hawks were expected to win well but a seven-goal margin was great indication of how lose this game was as Tatyoon gained the advantage both on the court and the scoreboard in the second quarter with nine goals to five.

The Hawks now have next weekend off to prepare for the second semi-final, while the Tigers must defeat Penshurst next Sunday to advance deeper into the finals.

ARARAT finished in second place on the ladder with victory against Lismore-Derrinallum at Lismore Recreation Reserve, 54-18.

The loss set aside any dreams the Demons may have held for a finals spot as the Eagles were ruthless in the first half to open a 13-goal break on the scoreboard which it only built upon in the second half in preparation for the finals series.