A last-gasp finish ensured Katandra would neither be complacent on its way to the grand final nor on the big day itself as the top two home-and-away teams turn to prepare for Saturday’s finale in Strathmerton.
Katandra coach Renee Morris was relieved her squad could hold its collective nerve in a fiercely fought contest.
“I was proud of how the girls pulled together,” Morris said.
However, a significant injury to goal shooter Kendal Judd soured the thrill of a close preliminary final victory for the Katandra coach.
“We lost Kendal in the second quarter, so for the girls to regroup and see out the game, keeping our heads up, keeping intensity up, I was very pleased with it all,” Morris said.
Morris laments the likely unavailability of her goal shooter with an imposing opponent looming.
“We’ll put a few plans up our sleeve, but it’s a big blow losing Kendal, so we’ll need to adjust,” Morris said.
In the other preliminary final on Saturday at Deniliquin, Deni Rovers secured the first grand final spot, defeating Katunga 36-19 at home.
The Rovers have not dropped a game this season and the enormity of the task that awaits is clear to Morris.
“They’ve been the benchmark all year,” she said.
“You’re always striving to play your own game and work hard, but with a bit of luck, our best will be enough.
“It’s bittersweet. We’ve won the day, but it’s come at a cost.”
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