BY NATHAN DOLE
PREMIERSHIP hopes for Moulamein and Ultima in the Golden Rivers FNL A-grade netball competition are on the line in this Saturday’s first semi-final.
Both teams ended in the 16-round home and away series on identical win-loss tallies of 8-6, plus two draws.
The Moulamein Swans led the percentage tallies, 114 to 110.
The Swans also have home-court advantage as day one of the finals series will be at Moulamein South Recreation Reserve.
Moulamein warmed up for the finals action by almost toppling the ladder-leading Murrabit last Saturday.
Meg-Jordyne Rooney and Maddy Wild capped off the Swans’ play in defence and through mid-court.
At the final whistle, Murrabit led 48-47.
Ultima goalers Ash Sanders and Grace Farrell were in top form in a 25-goal win against the Hay Lions.
This season’s A-grade meetings between Moulamein and Ultima stand at a win each, and a draw.
In round five the Swans won on the Kangaroos’ court at Ultima, 37-35.
Scores were locked on 32-all at the end of the round nine showdown at Moulamein.
Latest meeting was in the 14th round where Ultima netted a 46-41 victory at home.
The A-grade first semi-final between the Swans and Kangaroos starts at 12.15pm.
Ultima and Macorna meet in the B-grade first semi at 1.30pm.
First duel in ’23 between these teams was in round three where Ultima won 36-21 at home.
Defences were on top as Macorna won 24-21 in round eight on the home of the Tigers.
Margin was just three goals again as Macorna beat the Roos, 42-39 in the 13th round.
It’s Macorna against Murrabit in the B-reserve first semi-final from 2.45pm.
Their first duel in the home and away series was at Macorna in the fifth round where the Tigers marked a 32-26 victory.
Macorna then won 30-26 on Murrabit’s court in the ninth round.
The Blues outpointed the Tigers, 35-29 in the 14th round on Macorna’s court.
Rising stars from Wandella and Moulamein will contest the 17-and-under first semi from 11am.
In round four, Wandella won 54-31 on Moulamein’s court.
Scores were much closer in the next meeting as Wandella won 37-33 in the round 10 contest in the Bombers’ hangar.
A thriller was played in the 15th round as the Bombers won 27-26 on the Swans’ court.
Finals action begins at 9.45am with the 14-and-under match between Hay and Wandella.
These teams met in round five where Hay won 32-18 at Wandella Recreation Reserve.
The Lions roared to a 32-21 victory in the ninth round at Hay Park.
Most recent showdown was in the 14th round where Hay won 45-27 on Wandella’s court.
Schedule for second semi-finals on September 2 at Ultima:
A-grade at 12.15pm: Murrabit v Macorna.
B-grade at 1.30pm: Murrabit v Moulamein.
B-reserve at 2.45pm: Hay v Ultima.
17-under at 11am: Ultima v Hay.
14-under at 9.45am: Murrabit v Ultima.