A clinical performance by Stratford in the first half of its East Gippsland netball qualifying final at the Bairnsdale City Oval, has seen it progress to the 2025 grand final.
The Swans led by as much as 15 goals, before Lucknow managed to cut the margin back to just three goals, as the Magpies rallied.
The “A” grade finals series is one of the closest in recent memory, and some close and exciting matches are expected over the next two weeks.
The Magpies will be looking to bounce back against Boisdale Briagolong, who impressed on Sunday, in a tough one-goal victory over Wy Yung.
Lucknow looked clearly the side to beat in the first half of the season, but they have certainly plateaued as the season has got to the business end of the season.
All the qualifying final match results were close, except for “B” grade, where the unbeaten Bombers outclassed the Tigers by 19 goals.
In “C” grade, Boisdale were four-goal winners over Wy Yung, while in “D” grade, the same two sides played with the margin just two goals, again the Bombers progressing straight through to the big dance.
The Tigers beat Lakes Entrance by two goals in the 17 and under fixture, while Stratford were five-goal winners over Lucknow in the 15 and under.
It was victory again for the Tigers in the 13 and under over Lucknow by four goals.
At this stage, Boisdale Briagolong will be represented by three sides on grand final day, and Stratford and Wy Yung by two each.
