PDL | Gallery | Strathmerton downs Katamatite, Tungamah wins nail-biter

Early in the game things were neck and neck, with the Bulldogs holding a one-goal lead at quarter-time, before extending this to three goals at the half-time break.

In the third term Strathmerton shot clear, building a 10-goal lead and despite an improved final stanza from the Tigers, it was the Bulldogs who secured passage to the preliminary final.

Strathmerton coach Olivia Osborne said it was exciting to book a spot in the next round, however, there was still work to be done.

“Finals is completely different,” Osborne said.

“Nerves in the first half had us a little bit rattled and they (Katamatite) came out strong, they came out wanting it probably just as much as we did which we expected.

“It was a whole team effort again today.”

Osborne said the Bulldogs’ midcourt was a standout on the day, with Jemmah Ryan performing well in centre and Grace Thomson standing out in wing attack, while Emily Buzza shot well in the attacking ring.

On the other side of the coin, Katamatite coach Tess Saunders said there was plenty of positives to take away from the contest and with a second chance, the Tigers are far from out of the competition.

“Even coming out and winning the last quarter, that’s a positive,” Saunders said.

“We probably lost 10 minutes in the third quarter which cost us, the pressure from Strathy was fantastic, which is a testament to them.”

“We’ll just work on the few things that didn’t really work today and just keep going through the motions."

Sophie Bray stood out for the Tigers with a consistent four-quarter performance.

Meanwhile on Sunday, Tungamah secured passage through to the semi-final with a tight one-goal win over Waaia at Blighty.

The 46 to 45 result was a thrilling contest, with the Bears coming from three goals down at half-time to pick up the win.

Like Katamatite, Waaia will have a second chance this weekend, while Tungamah joins Strathmerton with a week off.