In very blustery conditions, Olinda Ferny Creek took on Cranbourne at Casey Fields in Round 17 of Outer East Netball Premier Division.
In the early morning match up it was Olinda Ferny Creek taking on Narre Warren in the 17 and under grade.
The girls were determined to improve on their round one performance when they lost 49 to 12 against the very talent Narre side.
It was indeed a much-improved performance second time around, with a spirited first half performance before Narre Warren powered away to a 23-goal victory.
Ava Van Leemput, Keely Butler and Gramercy Russell were good for the Swannies.
In D-grade, Cranbourne was just a class above the Swannies.
They blasted out of the blocks and were never headed, running out 38 to 20 victors.
To clinch a spot in the finals, the Olinda Ferny Creek girls must now beat Wandin in next week’s final round and rely on Cranbourne beating Upwey-Tecoma.
Hannah Pace, Emmalee Keegan and Sarah Kennedy were good for the Swannies.
In C-grade it was even at half time, 12 goals all, before Cranbourne pulled away to finish strongly to record a 31 to 20 victory.
Sera Long and Jess Horner played well for Olinda Ferny Creek.
B-grade was a great match, with Cranbourne leading for the entire first half before the Olinda Ferny Creek girls played their best quarter of the season, producing a withering 15 to 6 quarter to turn the game on its head and running out eventual winners 43 to 35.
Rhi Pendleton and Ash Cartlidge were strong in defense, while Dana Portorianos won the battle in the mid-court.
In A-grade, Olinda Ferny Creek continued its unbeaten season by accounting for the third-placed Cranbourne 52 to 33.
The Bloods were never headed in the contest and increased their lead at every change.
Madi Taylor and Alice Paget both had strong performances while Elly Stewart proved her versatility at both ends of the court.
Next Saturday, Olinda Ferny Creek will host Pakenham and Wandin in the final home and away games of the season at Olinda Recreation Reserve. Games start from 10.30am.
