By Tyler Lewis
Olinda Ferny Creek will take the age-old saying ‘third time lucky’ into this Sunday’s second semi-final against Narre Warren.
The Bloods have fallen to the Pies in both outings this season, but are in excellent form, winning six of their last seven including Sunday’s 56 to 42 victory over ROC.
Unfortunately for the Bloods, that one defeat came against their upcoming opponent in round 16.
The Bloods – led by Hayley Howard (36 goals) – were in front at every change on Sunday, ultimately booking themselves two cracks at a grand final berth.
If it is to lose to the Pies this week, Olinda Ferny Creek will play the winner of either ROC or Wandin, after the Dogs upset Monbulk in the elimination final.
For Wandin, it truly was the third time lucky, defeating Monbulk for the first time this season.
The Dogs – who have been the second-best defensive unit this season – put a stranglehold on the Hawks, restricting them to just 37 goals for the match, while converting 57 at the opposing end.
In Division One, Seville has all but cemented pole position on the ladder with a win over fellow premiership-contender Berwick.
The Wickers led at quarter time, before the Blues overturned the match in the second quarter with a 10 to six run.
Berwick has been parsimonious this season, conceding on average just 25 goals per game before Saturday’s 44 to 38 defeat.
Emily Pupuke improved her season total to 422 with 20 goals, while youngster Hayley Ray backed up her 50 goals in round 19 with 20 this week.
Yarra Glen, meanwhile, shrugged off a slow first quarter to defeat Gembrook Cockatoo 38 to 34.
Lara Wandin-Collins (18 goals) and Stephanie Gibbs (15 goals) led the way for the home side, whereas Rebecca Christie found the net 15 times for the Brookers.
In the final game of the round, last-placed Berwick Springs recorded its third win of the season, defeating Belgrave 47 to 51.
The final round this week poses few changes to the ladder, as Seville and Berwick lead the rest of the competition by a comprehensive six wins.
