Woodend-Hesket is a step closer to a three-peat in the Riddell District Netball League after a strong first up finals win on Saturday against Riddell.
The Hawks faced the Bombers in a qualifying final on Saturday, with both teams seeking to make a third straight grand final.
It was the that Hawks jumped out of the blocks and led at every break to come away with a 51-41 win.
Hawks coach Ty Coppinger said it was nice to come away with a win like that.
“We focused on what we could control,” she said. “We looked to start well and continue it for the rest of the game.”
The Hawks came into the game on the back of a loss to Romsey. The loss was the side’s first of the season.
Coppinger said they took a bit out of that game and it wasn’t the worst thing for them.
“It was a different week and it just shows any side can beat anyone if you’re not on your game,” she said.
“As much as it was a different prep, it was still valuable for us and we took lots of learnings from the loss.”
Coppinger said while it was nice to have a lead throughout the game they were fully aware of what the Bombers could do given the chance.
The two sides had a close match in the second last round, with the Hawks winning by two goals after leading by eight at quarter time.
“It was just about having control and knowing where we were capable of,” Coppinger said. “We had everyone on the same page and the proof was in the pudding to have that good first half.
“Riddell is one of the best sides in the competition in the second half.
“We knew they would keep coming at us and it was a good challenge and it was never over until the final whistle.”
The Hawks now have two shots at making the grand final.
The first will come on Saturday against Macedon, which beat Lancefield in its elimination final on Sunday.
Coppinger said they would reset and look to go again in the semi final.
“They are another really good side and are playing some strong netball at the right time of the year,” she said of Macedon.
“Only time during the season we played them was tough. We need to maintain it for the full 60 minutes and play good netball and do what we need to do.
“It’ll be a good challenge and something to work towards.”
The Hawks other two netball sides in finals, C-grade and D-grade, were both knocked out on Sunday.
Coppinger said it was disappointing their seasons were over but there had been some really good development across the season.
Riddell’s season is not over with the Bombers to face Wallan in the other semi final, after the Magpies upset the Gisborne Giants in the other elimination final.
