Rushworth was narrowly eliminated from the KDNL finals by Nagambie.
It was a tough round for regional finalists in the Kyabram District Netball League with both local A-grade outfits ousted from the competition in the first round of the postseason.
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In other grades, there were some bright spots to be found as clubs fought to keep their seasons alive.
This week, third vs sixth elimination finals were held first, on Saturday at Violet Town Recreation Reserve, while fourth vs fifth contests followed on Sunday at Girgarre Recreation Reserve.
Winners will face each other next week for a preliminary final spot, while the top two ranked sides will be looking to reach the grand final in qualifying semifinals.
Rushworth vs Nagambie
Going in as the lower ranked side, Rushworth took it right to Nagambie, but ended up falling a couple of goals short of advancing.
The Tigers were in the fight up until the final minutes, but it was the Lakers who held on 49-47.
After reaching the preliminary final last year, the result marks a slight step back for the Tigers, slipping to sixth and a 10-6 record in a crowded finals' scene.
In a league that appears to be more imbalanced than last year, improving at the top and declining at the bottom, Rushworth posted a much better percentage despite two fewer wins.
Merrigum vs Tallygaroopna
Merrigum was below its best against Tallygaroopna, eliminated by 15 goals.
Both the Bulldogs and Redlegs had claimed big scalps throughout the season, and also faced off in the only draw in the competition.
They went into the elimination final level on points, each posting 11-1-4 this year.
Tally was probably the form team of the second half of the season, and proved it in the final with an unexpectedly convincing 15-goal win, 49-34.
Midcourter Alyssa Christou and defender Breanna Baker were the Bulldogs’ best on the day, but their efforts weren’t enough to stave off elimination.
Nagambie and Tallygaroopna will now face off in another knockout game this Sunday, while Lancaster will attempt to upset unbeaten Shepparton East in the qualifying semi.
B-grade
Third ranked Lancaster was surprised by Violet Town, crashing out of contention 39-49.
Merrigum was also felled in its semi, dropping it 36-34 to Shepparton East.
Nagambie and Tallygaroopna also make up the final four.
C-grade
Violet Town also shocked Lancaster in a mirrored C-grade result, the Towners eliminating the Wombats this time by just a single goal 38-37.
Stanhope got the best of Merrigum in the other elimination final, sending the Bulldogs home 53-43.
The Lions and Towners will now face off, while top two Shepparton East and Girgarre will also do battle.
C-reserve
Merrigum’s C-reserve side saved the weekend for the Bulldogs, advancing over third placed Murchison-Toolamba 40-33.
Lancaster was also successful, defeating Shepparton East 41-39.
The Wombats and Bulldogs will take on each other for a place in the preliminary final, while Tallygaroopna and Girgarre are in for a grand final qualifier.
17 and under
Stanhope moved on to the next round, dispatching Merrigum 49-30, while Violet Town was successful over Nagambie 39-30.
Shepparton East and Tallygaroopna will face off as the top two in a qualifying contest.
15 and under
Girgarre got the best of Lancaster 51-32 to advance, while Stanhope got by Murchison Toolamba 35-31 to also punch its ticket to the next round.
Also next week, Rushworth and Tallygaroopna will face off for a grand final place.
13 and under
Girgarre made no mistake as the higher ranked side against Rushworth, eliminating the Tigers 26-15, and Lancaster also moved on, beating Violet Town 30-19.
Top two Tallygaroopna and Merrigum make up the final four.
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