PRESSURE: HVE Transport goalkeeper Melinda Craine (right) keeps the pressure on George Tavern goal shooter Alex Breskon on Saturday. Picture by STUART SCOTT 110812SS047
HVE Transport’s bid for back-to-back premierships remains on track after a resounding 37-21 win over George Tavern in their minor semi-final on Saturday.
In difficult conditions because of strong, gusting winds, George Tavern led 9-3 at the end of the first quarter, but a second quarter blitz saw the reigning premiers lead at half-time.
HVE Transport went on with it in the second half, eventually running out 16-goal winners to book their place in the final against the loser of next week’s major semi-final between minor premiers Hills Solicitors and Hano’s HVE.
HVE Transport captain Bec Blewett was delighted with the win, especially given the trying conditions.
“It was an awesome game, though the weather made it really hard for both sides to pass and shoot,” Blewett said.
“They were leading after the first quarter and I think we had some trouble adjusting to the wind.
“In the second we got the hang of it and we went from there.”
Blewett said her team’s exceptional defence was the key to victory.
“Our defence was brilliant,” she said.
“Melinda Crane and Tracy Legge were outstanding as well as Michelle Collins, who just controlled the whole centre court.”
HVE Transport now have a week off before their grand final qualifier and are just one win away from having the chance to defend their title.
“It’ll be good, our goal at the moment is to have an all HVE grand final,” Blewett said.
“The girls from Hano’s HVE all came and supported us today, we’re all really good friends and we’ll go and support them next week.
“We’d love to play them in the grand final.”
For injured George Tavern captain Lorraine Keith it was a disappointing end to an inconsistent season.
“It just wasn’t our day,” said Keith.
“Shooting was hard because one end was protected from the wind but in saying that both sides had to play in the same conditions.
“We just didn’t have a consistent team on the park this year through injuries and work commitments and it was the same again today.
“We were without two of our defenders so Emily (Keith) who is normally our shooter had to play goal defence.
“Across the court we did fine, no one had a shocker or anything like that.
“They were just too good on the day.”
Hills Solicitors will now take on Hano’s HVE in the major semi-final on Saturday with the winner advancing straight to the grand final, with the loser taking on HVE Transport in the grand final qualifier.