BOROONDARA Express capitalised on a fourth quarter lapse from Melbourne University Lightning, which resulted in the Express to coming away eight-goal victors (50-44). By winning the minor semi-final, the Express ended the Lightning’s Victorian Netball League (VNL) season and advanced through to the preliminary final against Geelong Cougars.

You could not have written the story any better for the final, which was truly a game for the ages. It was goal for goal for majority of the outing, until a Lightning miss completely changed the game, swinging the momentum and resulting in a 10-goal turnaround. Experience was all over the court in this formidable battle, proving this one to be an absolute stunner.

It was a dominant win to the Lightning back in round 13 with a convincing 19-goal defeat, but Express were not going to let that happen again and they made sure of it.

Boroondara took an almighty lead during the first term, but the Lightning slowly crept their way back and led by four at the first break.

What a performance from Ramayer Gourley in the defensive circle for the Lightning. She used her footwork to get around the shooter’s body and get a clean deflection where her fellow Lightning players were backing her up and getting the pick ups. Being able to play at both ends of the court gives her a sneaky advantage as to where the shooters want the ball and how they move around the goal third.

Isabelle Hodgson (43 goals) was back to season best form being a strong target at the post and slowly shooting goals from further out in the circle. It was a tough end to the season for Express, as Hodgson’s familiar combination with Ruby Barkmeyer was to be reworked with Barkmeyer missing the pointy end of the season due to injury. Express have seemed to get the arguably new shooting combination down packed with Tiahnee Farrell (five) slotting into the line up nicely with her newest elevation from the Division One side.

Lightning maintained their four-goal lead into half-time, forcing Boroondara to need a big second half to pin back the deficit and take the game into their grasp.

Boroondara dominated the second half, putting the pressure on the Lightning thanks to the smothering defence from Express all over the court, helping them reduce the deficit to two heading into the last quarter.

In the blink of an eye, scores were level bringing the crowd alight. A shift in Express’ midcourt brought on fresh legs which brought the pressure up another level that the Lightning were unable to match. Express quickly took the lead four minutes into the fourth term off the hand of an almighty intercept by Sarah Szczykulski, giving Express a little sniff at the win.

Boroondara now go on to face the Geelong Cougars next week in the preliminary final to determine who will win that second position in the grand final.

VICTORIAN NETBALL LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS RESULTS – CHAMPIONSHIP

Boroondara Express (50) defeated Melbourne University Lightning (44)
City West Falcons (59) defeated Geelong Cougars (52)