After two close-fought qualifying finals, supporters were expecting more nail-biting action at the weekend and that is what was delivered.
On Saturday, Katamatite bounced back from its loss to Strathmerton last time out, downing Katunga 43 to 37.
Meanwhile on Sunday, Picola United inflicted Waaia with its second one-goal loss in a row, picking up a 37 to 36 win.
The Saturday afternoon contest at Yarroweyah could have gone either way, with an impressive period from the Tigers late in the final term building a six-goal margin.
Katamatite coach Tesslyn Saunders said the result was a reflection of the side’s season, with the team excited to keep its premiership hopes alive.
“Putting in the hard work early and having it pay off towards the end is fantastic,” Saunders said.
“We led the whole game, it did get to within one goal in the last quarter and we injected some fresh legs and were able to push it to six within the last three minutes.”
Saunders said Cassia Colbeck stood out for the Tigers with strong shooting and defensive efforts.
She said with a preliminary final match-up against Tungamah now pencilled in, the Tigers would need to be at their best to make their way into the grand final.
“If we play well and can put four quarters together I’m confident,” she said.
“We lost to them by one during the season, so it’s going to be a tight game, I would suggest it’s probably going to go goal for goal, it’s just going to be whoever can hold their composure, which hopefully will be us.”
Joining Katamatite on the semi-final winners’ list was Picola United, with the side securing a thrilling one-goal win at home over Waaia.
The positive result leaves the side one win away from a grand final berth and with a clash against Strathmerton now pencilled in, the side will be hoping to continue its fine form come Saturday.
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