WNA - Stawell Warriors A grade netballers suffered a shock 15 goal loss to Horsham Demons in their Wimmera Netball Association semi final.
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Stawell was slow to start, trailing Horsham by four goals at quarter time and the Demons extended the margin to six at half time.
From there, Stawell couldn't recover and it was all Horsham, with the lead blowing out to nine goals at the final change before a 19 goal last quarter saw the Demons run out 56-41 winners.
It wasn't the result Stawell coach Jemma Clarkson wanted, but she remained positive that her side can regroup.
"We've got that second chance, hopefully we can get up and win," she said.
Clarkson said Stawell will put the game behind them and look forward to Sunday's clash against Ararat.
"It'll be another tough game. Ararat came out firing against Warrack Eagles and knocked off last year's premiers. They mean business."
Just one goal has separated the sides in their past two meetings, with Stawell defeating Ararat earlier this year before the Rats returned the favour in their second round match.
Meanwhile Stawell C grade netballers bounced back from a disappointing loss to defeat Warrack Eagles in their semi final clash.
Stawell started Sunday's game well, with good movement and creative passing despite a few nervous errors.
With Meg Newton dominating the rebounds in defence and Laura Farrer and Jaiden Bach combining in goals, Stawell established a good lead heading into the first change.
The team continued its strong performance, controlling the match to run out winners 42-33.
Meg Newton was named best on court for her defensive efforts and drive through the midcourt, while Jaiden Bach picked up the second award.
Stawell will now meet Horsham Saints again in Sunday's preliminary final at Murtoa, hoping to avenge its qualifying final loss.
Stawell B grade side went down to Horsham in their semi final match, 53-42.
Horsham has been the dominant team all season and Stawell did well to match it with the Demons for most of the game.
Some top defensive pressure from wing defence Kristy Matthews and goal keeper Erin Freeland created several turnovers to give the Warriors a real chance early.
Despite these efforts, Horsham's experience came to the fore, allowing the side to advance to the grand final.
Stawell will take plenty of confidence away from the match and is hopeful of meeting the Demons in a week's time.
The only thing standing in their way is a clash with Dimboola on Sunday.
In the 17 and unders, Stawell came out firing to defeat Warrack Eagles in their first semi final 32-25.
Stawell produced one of their best starts of the season to race to an early lead.
Quick, accurate passing was a highlight of the game, along with strong pressure all the way down the court.
The defensive combination of Lisa Fleming, Ellen Williams and Bethany Griffiths was exceptional and created countless opportunities for the attacking end.
Courtney Morrow linked up well with the defenders in centre, putting in another solid performance.
While Warrack came out firing in the final term, Stawell kept up its intensity to hold onto a comfortable lead and progress through to the preliminary final.
Stawell take on Ararat on Sunday.
The 13 and unders finals campaign came to an end following a 37-15 semi final loss to Horsham Saints.
Saints proved too strong from the outset and ran away with a solid win, despite the best efforts of Daisy Walker (who shot 12 goals) and Jessie Cowen.