Going for goal: Katunga's Bri Armitage takes aim.
Photo by
Daniel Webb
A Picola District League A-grade semi-final showdown now awaits Katunga after the side downed Tocumwal in Jerilderie.
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The Saturday afternoon elimination final had all the makings of a classic post-season encounter, with both sides right in the contest from the get-go.
At the end of the first quarter, Katunga held a four-goal lead, extending it to six at the main break.
A 12-goal apiece third term gave the Bloods hope, however in the end the Swans ran out 45-37 winners.
Passing time: Tocumwal's Rose Chamberlain looks to play the ball.
Photo by
Daniel Webb
Katunga team manager Danielle Henderson said it was a positive performance.
“It was a hard-fought game, Tocumwal definitely bought it and to our credit I think we fought it out for the four quarters,” Henderson said.
“There were patches that weren’t the best, but when we were on we really found our rhythm.”
Focussed: Tocumwal's Abby Wilson looks for a teammate.
Photo by
Daniel Webb
Henderson highlighted the defensive efforts of her side on the day, with the Swans now set to enjoy a week off.
She said Sarah Weidemann and Demi Hendy both stood out, while Bri Armitage and Sophie Kelly shot well in the ring.
Eyes up: Tocumwal's Hannah Paganoni looks for goal.
Photo by
Daniel Webb
“It’s a lot of pressure, especially for an under-17 to come on in an A-grade final and to shoot, so full credit to Sophie on her game today,” she said.
“I think everyone played their role really well. We just had those patches where there were a few lapses.”
Coaching duties: Tocumwal's Katrina Chellew was happy with her side’s performance.
Photo by
Daniel Webb
For Tocumwal, Saturday’s performance was certainly solid, however it could not break the margin.
After two weeks off, Bloods co-coach Katrina Chellew said she was happy with how the team played.
“To come out and probably play our best game of the season, I’m stoked,” Chellew said.
“We just couldn’t beat the six goals, but I’m so proud of my girls.”
Like Henderson, Chellew said her side’s defence stood out for the whole game, with relentless pressure across all four quarters.
“It was a team effort, 100 per cent a team effort. Everybody did what they had to do on the day,” she said.
Under pressure: Tocumwal's Lisa Farrell looks to release the ball.
Photo by
Daniel Webb
The result means Katunga goes through to the first semi-final in Yarroweyah, where it will come up against either Strathmerton or Katamatite.
In the elimination final played on Sunday, Picola United downed Jerilderie by eight goals in Berrigan.
Coming off a big win last week, United was all class as it fought its way to a 43-35 win, earning a week off and booking a ticket to face either Tungamah or Waaia in the semi-final.
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