BRAYBROOK SET GRAND FINAL DATE

Braybrook Red is through to the inaugural Victoria University WRFL Netball Grand Final, after defeating North Footscray Devils by two goals in a thrilling Preliminary Final.

Braybrook shooter Alexis Climas scored the match winner with 30 seconds left in the game.

They had the next centre pass and was able to quickly score again, putting the result beyond doubt, winning 35 to 33.

The result did come at a cost, with talented defender Jen Pucek injuring her knee in the third quarter.

The margin was close throughout the match, however the Brookers were able to get some breathing space at three quarter time, having led by four goals.

North Footscray closed the gap in the final term, having generated some turnovers off the back of some great defensive pressure, but couldn’t make the most of their opportunities in the goal ring.

Both of the Devils shooters couldn’t convert in the opening stages of the final term, which ultimately proved costly, but Megan Murphy and Taigen Butty found their rhythm in the final stages of the quarter to even up the score.

However, it was Braybrook who got a North Footscray rebound and then swiftly move the ball down the court, before Climas scored the match winner.

It was a great performance from the Braybrook shooter, who shot 30 of their 35 goals.

The result was a disappointing one for North Footscray who ended the season in second spot and lost both their Semi Final and Preliminary Final matches.

Braybrook will now face Point Cook Blue, who had the week off, in the Grand Final on Friday night.

The two teams met back in Round 6. Point Cook won that match by 14 goals.

Victoria University WRFL Netball Grand Final

Date: Friday, August 10

Venue: Victoria University Community Stadium, Whitten Oval

Time: 7pm

Entry: $2.20

Photos from the Victoria University WRFL Netball Preliminary Final taken by Belinda Vitacca Photography can be purchased via her website. Please visit https://www.belindavitaccaphotography.com/ click on More and use the password: wrn2018 to log in and make a purchase.