Lining up against Tallygaroopna in the second semi-final at Murchison Recreation Reserve on Sunday afternoon, the Lakers and Redlegs put on an absolute show, and after four quarters of high intensity netball, they couldn’t be split.
It took a period of overtime to determine a winner, with the Lakers eventually getting up 53-49 in a brilliant contest, skating through by the skin of their teeth to fight another day.
Having only faced each other once this season – a 39-33 victory to Tallygaroopna – there was still a few unknowns about how the pair would shape up against each other, but after a tight and tough first half, it became apparent the assembled crowd was being treated to a corker.
Level at 21-apiece at half time, the Redlegs surged ahead in the third term to lead by four at the final change, up 34-30, and looked to be on their way to booking a preliminary final berth.
But they were unable to hold off a spirited Lakers comeback, as Nagambie fought to level the scores at 44-all by the final siren, sending the contest to extra time.
With the momentum behind them, the Lakers surged into the lead as extra time commenced, and didn’t look back from there, prevailing 53-49 to prolong their season for at least another week, while the Redlegs, who finished fourth and beat everyone bar the top two, have been sent packing.
The victory allows the Lakers to dream of sewing up the second spot in the decider, with just one win now separating them from taking their place on the final day of the season.
Lancaster is the side that is looking to deny Nagambie, however, with the pair set to meet in the preliminary final this weekend at Undera Recreation Reserve this Saturday, after the Wombats fell to the minor premier at the weekend.
It felt inevitable, and though it occurred with more resistance than perhaps anticipated, Shepparton East has become the first side to secure its spot in the 2026 grand final after claiming victory over Lancaster in the first semi-final at Nagambie Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
The reigning premier, who also claimed the minor premiership with a second successive unbeaten home and away season, did exactly what was expected of it on Saturday, winning through to the grand final at the first time of asking after a dominant year to ensure it will defend its title on the final day of the season, however, the Wombats proved a fierce opponent, pushing the Eagles further than anyone else has this season.
With a 47-43 victory, it was still the Eagles left celebrating after the final whistle on Saturday, clinching the first of the two grand final spots on offer, and deservedly so, with just one win standing between them and back-to-back undefeated premiership seasons.
It was far from one-way traffic, though, with the Wombats still giving a brilliant account of themselves to keep the final margin within five goals – the first time anyone has done so against the fearsome Eagles since round six last season.
The Eagles will now face either Lancaster or Nagambie in the decider, with the winner of the preliminary final this weekend set to advance, while the loser faces a premature end to their season.
