Elimination Final joy
Wildcats grind out finals victory
WOODSIDE has kept its reserves premiership hopes alive, defeating a determined Glengarry by 33 points in their elimination final.
The Wildcats controlled proceedings for much of the contest, although inaccurate kicking prevented them from putting the result beyond doubt earlier, eventually prevailing 7.18 (60) to 4.3 (27).
Woodside established an early advantage with 2.6 (18) in the opening term, while Glengarry managed 1.1 (7).
The Wildcats continued to build their lead in the second quarter, taking a 20-point buffer into the main break, 4.9 (33) to 2.1 (13).
Cooper Roberts worked tirelessly in the ruck, giving Woodside’s smaller players first use of the ball around the stoppages, while Alex Jeffs stood firm in defence.
Chris Witchell provided a strong target in attack, taking several telling marks, although the Wildcats’ inaccuracy kept Glengarry within striking distance.
Glengarry outscored Woodside in a low-scoring third quarter, trimming the margin to 15 points at the final change, but struggled to convert enough of its forward entries into scoreboard pressure.
The Wildcats regained control in the final term, adding 3.6 to Glengarry’s 1.0 to secure the victory and extend their finals campaign.
Chris Whiteoak finished with two goals for Woodside, while Witchell, Blake Reed, Liam Hard, Matt Sailor and James Mattern each kicked one.
Mattern was among the Wildcats’ best, alongside Ricky Benis, Darby Taylor, Sailor and Jeffs.
Brandon Monks-Hamilton kicked two goals for Glengarry, with Colby Schmidt and Shane Kosterman also hitting the scoreboard.
Kyle Whateley, Jack Kesper, Ricky Turner, Schmidt, Henry Bishop and Adam Williams were named Glengarry’s best.
The Magpies’ defenders could hold their heads high after preventing the margin from blowing out, producing a much stronger showing than in the sides’ previous meeting.
Wildcats roar home in finals thriller
WOODSIDE’S A-grade netballers defeated Gormandale 50-39 in a contest far closer than the final score suggests.
With the Wildcats’ reserves footballers having already secured victory against Glengarry, the netballers completed the double with a determined performance built on early pressure and a powerful final-quarter surge.
Woodside came out firing, unsettling Gormandale with its intensity and establishing an early advantage.
The Wildcats moved the ball confidently through the court, with goal shooter Kimberley Wright providing a reliable target under the post.
Gormandale found its feet in the second quarter as its goalers began finding their range, while Woodside’s attack encountered difficulties with footwork.
Maddy Dark proved a constant threat for Gormandale, finishing with 25 goals, while Grane Van Tilburg contributed 10 and Jaclyn Price added four.
The Tigers continued to lift after half-time, steadily chipping away at Woodside’s advantage until just two goals separated the sides during the third quarter.
Suddenly, what had appeared a comfortable afternoon for the Wildcats had become a genuine finals battle.
But with their season on the line, Woodside responded when it mattered most.
The Wildcats regained their composure, tightened their defensive pressure and found Wright repeatedly in attack as they took control of the final term.
Wright delivered a 42-goal performance, with Tavia Field adding five and Paige Biddle contributing three.
Woodside’s strong finish ultimately stretched the margin to 11 goals, securing a 50-39 victory and keeping its premiership hopes alive.
